Linda Jean Sysdeski

Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home

Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | January 26, 2026

Linda spent most of her adult life and her entire career in Ripley, West Virginia, where she devoted over 30 years to Jackson County Schools as an elementary school teacher. She began in special education and later taught third and fourth grade, becoming the kind of teacher children remember forever for how safe, seen, and loved she made them feel. 

A graduate of South Allegheny High School and Slippery Rock University, Linda carried her love for others and joy of life everywhere: in her classroom, in her friendships, at the Monroeville Senior Center, and especially in her family life. After retiring, she returned to the Pittsburgh area to be close to the people she loved most - especially her grandson, Augustus (“Gus”) Sydeski, now 10, who brought her endless pride and joy.

Linda’s joy wasn’t subtle. She had an infectious smile, a laugh people could recognize from across a room, and a way of making life feel lighter just by being in it. She loved pizza, spontaneous adventures, and she had a soundtrack for happiness: “Joy to the World” by Three Dog Night, a family staple this past year, sung together often. She also enjoyed Jelly Roll, because Linda had range. She loved Halloween and was exceedingly talented at making nut rolls and crocheting toy creatures.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin “Legs” Sydeski and Lois Elaine Sydeski, along with cats, Faith and Dottie, and grand-dogs, Dante and Sirius.

She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Sydeski Factor; son-in-law, Bradley Factor; grandson, Augustus Sydeski; brother, Tom (wife Dee) Sydeski; niece, Allison; nephew, Shaun; and great-niece, Alexis. She is also lovingly remembered by grand-dogs Ember and Shadow, and her own dog, Eddie.

Linda’s final year followed complications from surgery related to a congenital heart defect. Even then, she met each day with courage, humor, and the love of life that made her her. That year held hard moments, but it also held beauty: Gus reading to her, playing guitar for her, family singing together, and the kind of ordinary joy Linda always made extraordinary.

Visitation will be at the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, Wednesday, January 28, 2026 from 3-7 PM. A funeral service in the funeral home chapel will be Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 10 AM with Pastor Justin Baker officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Vernon Cemetery, and a time of food and fellowship will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Linda’s memorial scholarship can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/linda-jean-sydeski-scholarship-fund

May her memory be a blessing, and may her love remain a light in the lives of everyone she cared for so well.

Offer condolences at http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

Originally published January 26, 2026.

Other deaths:
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