Linda Duerr

Linda lost her battle with cancer August 14th, 2024. Linda is survived by her loving husband Jeff, her sisters Susan and Patty, her brother Tom, her mother Edith, as well as her extensive Italian American family. Her passions in life were family, children, teaching, friends, and music. Linda loved the music of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band! Being a lifelong naturalist and vegetarian, she believed in leaving a place better than you found it. Linda earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Penn State. She bled blue and white!
Linda dedicated her professional life to improving early childhood education. She started her career as an early childhood teacher. For many years she was the director of the Child Development Lab, (CDL), at Penn State. As director, Linda was a superb mentor to her teachers. Linda also taught undergraduate students and had a beautiful way of inspiring others to excel. Later in her career, Linda served as the Director of Curriculum at the Hort Woods Child Care Center. Linda then worked as the Coordinator of Educational Programs for the Children's Garden in the Arboretum at Penn State. This role blended her love of nature and gardening with her knowledge of early childhood development.
Linda had the gift of making people feel recognized and valued. Through her work at Penn State, Linda was able to positively impact countless teachers, children, families and community members.
Although her illness led her to step down from her role at the Penn State Arboretum, Linda continued her involvement in an advisory capacity. She also assisted with early childhood projects like helping Penn State childcare programs navigate the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Linda did not want a memorial service. She wanted everyone to remember her as she was before her illness. Please help Linda establish a means for future teachers!
Memorial contributions can be made in Linda's name to the Arboretum at Penn State's Children's Garden at: https://raise.psu.edu/LindaDuerr
Alternatively, a check can be mailed to:
The Arboretum at Penn State 126J Palmer Museum The Pennsylvania State University University Park, 16802