Linda Lee Finster

Cumberland, MD-
Linda Lee Finster, 73, of Cumberland, passed away on December 31, 2024, at UPMC Western Maryland.
Born November 12, 1951 in Cumberland, she was the daughter of the late George and Mary Lou (Lippold) Stein.
A 1969 graduate of Allegany High School, Linda went on to Frostburg State University to earn her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She also earned master's degrees in Reading (1976) and Administration and Supervision (1987) from FSU. While in Allegany High School, she was a 4 year member of the Arrowettes, always anchoring the end of the line.
For 30 years Linda taught in Allegany County, beginning her career at Northeast Elementary School. She then taught at Mt. Savage School and retired from Braddock Middle School in 2004. She was then called back in 2005 to work a long-term substitute position in her same classroom at Braddock. After retirement, she belonged to the Allegany County Retired Teachers' Association.
Linda was the first female member accepted into the Cresaptown Volunteer Fire Department, with State certifications as an EMT and firefighter. She was also elected as the recording secretary on the executive board.
From the time she was a child taking piano lessons, Linda loved playing the piano, along with attending concerts, theater, and Broadway musicals. She also enjoyed painting.
Linda and her husband, Walter, loved to travel, whether by plane or a cruise. They were delighted to be able to have their own sailboat, "Tropical Dream" allowing them the opportunity to sail together to the southern Bahamas and back.
Linda's greatest love was her family –and-- the highlight of her life was the birth of her grandson, Wyatt. He brought so much joy and happiness to her life! Linda was the kind of person who never stopped worrying about others, putting their needs before her own. Her caring heart and constant concern for the well-being of everyone around her made her the strong fighter she was.
Linda is survived by her beloved husband of 53 years, Walter Finster; two daughters, Lisa Opel and husband Jesse, and Lauren Yermakov and husband Oleg; a sister, Karen Sue Spangler and husband Jim; a brother, Gary Stein and wife Louise; and her dear grandson, Wyatt, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Emergency Department at UMPC Western Maryland and Health Matters Urgent Care for all of the extra TLC they provided to Linda over the past year. You are all amazing health care professionals.
As per her wishes, Linda will be cremated, with a private family service to be held at a later date. Interment will be in the Sunset Memorial Park.
It was Linda's wish that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to either the Schwab Family Cancer Center or to the UPMC Western Maryland Emergency Department, c/o UPMC Western Maryland Foundation, 12500 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland, MD 21502.
The Upchurch Funeral Home, P.A., is in charge of arrangements. (www.upchurchfh.com)