What is your first memory of Linda? Share a favorite memory you have of Linda. Tell us about a special moment you shared with Linda. Describe a time when Linda made you laugh or smile. What is something you will always remember about Linda? Talk about a shared experience you had with Linda. What is something you did together that you enjoyed? Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Linda. Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Linda. What is something you learned from Linda?

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Linda M. Schirano

1943 - 2019

Linda M. Schirano

1943 - 2019

Obituary

Guest Book

BORN

1943

DIED

2019

Linda Schirano Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 11, 2019.

Linda M. Schirano

Sept. 30, 1943 - July 27, 2019

GRANGER, IN - Linda Mae Schirano, 75, of Granger passed away on Saturday, July 27 in her home surrounded by her loving family. Linda was born September 30, 1943 in Tacoma, WA to the late Grace (Stahly) and William C. Kiester. On January 13, 1973, she married Louis G. Schirano at the New York Athletic Club. He preceded her in death on October 15, 2017. She is survived by her sons, William L.T. Schirano (Katie) of Lorton, VA and John A. Schirano (Rachael) of Bloomington, IL; eight grandchildren, Lillian, Charles, Isabella, Jack, Lydia, James, Elizabeth, and Cameron Schirano; and two sisters, Nancy Vellutini of Eureka, CA and Jill Charrier of Sacramento, CA.

Linda grew up on a prune farm in Santa Rosa, CA where the value of hard work and integrity was instilled in her at an early age. Following high school, she served her country for ten years at the Central Intelligence Agency earning an award for meritorious service. During her life, she traveled the world, including living abroad in Japan and London, and was fortunate to share a number of extraordinary experiences - never forgetting her humble beginnings. She raised her family in New York, north of the city in the small village of Bronxville. In 2001, Linda and her husband moved to Granger, Indiana where they lived the remainder of their days hosting many a Notre Dame classmate during each football season. In 2002, she became the second woman to join the Notre Dame Class of 1962.

Linda was an amazing baker who specialized in the world's greatest cheesecakes. While living in New York, she was an active participant in the local Meals on Wheels and the League of Women Voters. Linda's dedication to her family allowed for the opportunities her husband and children were blessed to have. Linda was an amazing grandmother. She was a tireless friend and universally adored by all who met her. She cherished her time with the amazing staff at Memorial Hospital and the family is forever grateful for both the care, as well as friendship, they provided.

A memorial funeral Mass will be held at a later date. Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions in Linda's name may be made to the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation to find a treatment for Nieman-Pick Type C disease at www.parseghian.nd.edu/notre-dame-collaboration. Email condolences may be sent at www.welsheimer.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Linda Schirano's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

1 Entry

Donald & Sheila Thomas

September 10, 2020

To William and John Schirano and Family,

Please accept our belated condolences on the death of your mother, Linda Kiester Schirano. We just came across her obituary on the internet.

Linda, along with your late father, Lou, and myself, were on Okinawa together from 1965 to 1967. Along with fellow Okinawa alumni Jack McCarthy, Todd Riley, Craig Thompson and his wife Libby we formed a strong bond of friendship that lasted well past our return from military service. On Okinawa we were the privileged officer corps from the conquering army that never left and had the run of the island, and partied hard. Many an hour was spent in the officer’s lounge, the fabled “Coffee Shop”. Jack and Todd rented an off-base house that had a purple tiled gable roof. (Lou was later to join them in living there.) It was quickly dubbed the “Purple Pagoda” and became party central. Ah, youth!

After leaving the service, from the late 1960’s to the mid 1980’s we met often at Linda’s Washington, and later, New York apartments, Craig’s on-base housing in Virginia, Jack’s LI Sound bungalow in Connecticut, your parent’s house in Westchester, or our apartment and later house in NYC. I got married first, to Sheila, and your parents attended our wedding. We then attended theirs. With them, we attended Todd’s. Your parents and we had our first child just months apart. Then life happened and we drifted apart. About 2010 we reconnected. Your parents were living in Indiana and us in South Carolina. We talked on the phone, kept each other abreast of family news and promised to visit each other. Linda and Lou included us in their annual Christmas letter.

After the passing of your father, Linda had requested copies of any picture I had of him to include in an album she was putting together. I forwarded what I had, and on July 9, 2019 she emailed and thanked me for sending them. I had no idea she would be gone in just over two weeks.

The passing of your parents has touched me deeply. They represented an era in my life that cannot be replaced. I recently did a Google search and found out that Jack passed away in 2018. Have not been able to locate Todd or Craig, and your parents did not know of their location when last we spoke. The book is slowly closing on our generation and I am privileged to have known, laughed with, and shared many unforgettable experiences with your parents.

Once again, please accept our belated condolences,

Donald and Sheila Thomas
September 10, 2020
[email protected]