Dr. Linda Marie Jagielo

1949 - 2018

Dr. Linda Marie Jagielo

Mansfield - Dr. Linda Marie Jagielo, 68, of Mansfield, Ohio, passed away at home on Thursday, May 3, 2018. She was born on November 22, 1949 in Cicero, Illinois. As a child, she moved with her family to Almond, WI. She was the daughter of Edward and Betty Jagielo of Almond, WI.

Linda was a beloved sister and friend who dedicated her life to teaching and advocating for children. She loved movies, books, birds, flowers, reading and camping. Linda was a determined shopper who sought the thrill of a bargain. She was very resourceful, often using her newfound treasures to extend children's learning, and finding unique gifts for family and friends. She maintained hope until the end with plans to travel the country in an RV.

Although Linda lost her battle with cancer in Ohio, her heart was always at home in Wisconsin. She received her Ph.D in Early Childhood Education from Kent State University and held several professor roles. She taught teachers how to teach children at various universities, child development and grant programs in Wisconsin, Ohio, North Dakota, Minnesota and Washington DC. She completed her Masters of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and a Bachelor of Science from both the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. She was a member of Gamma Sigma Sigma sorority and held the position of president. All of Linda's degrees were focused on Early Childhood Education and Administration. She was passionate about Head Start, having served in the Head Start Fellows program to make contributions to Head Start, child development and family services, as part of her progression toward her ultimate doctoral degree.

Along her professional journey, Linda transitioned from teaching young children to conveying her knowledge to a new generation of early childhood teachers. She served as the Board Chairperson for the North Central State College/Ohio State University-Mansfield Child Development Center's Early Head Start Program for several years. Following her retirement, Linda applied her skills in a new way by advocating for abused and neglected children as a CASA volunteer through Richland County Juvenile Court.

She is survived by her father, Edward S. Jagielo; brother, Thomas (Ellynn) Jagielo; sister, Josephine A. Jagielo; three nephews, Steven (Darcy Lang) Jagielo, Aaron Jagielo, and Alexander Jagielo; extended family, dear friends, her flock of birds; 150 pairs of shoes, and the thousands of children whose hearts she touched. She was preceded in death by her mother, Betty (Mokos) Jagielo.

Linda's final wishes were for her life to be celebrated and to be cremated. A memorial service conducted by Chaplain Dan Clouse will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road, Ontario, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, please donate to an early childhood program of your choice in Linda's name. Words of condolence may be expressed at www.wappner.com