Linda Rose Palek

Linda Rose Palek ObituaryLinda Rose (Kordal) Palek
January 14, 1948 – October 8, 2025
Linda Rose Palek, 77, of Mentor, Ohio, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025, after a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on January 14, 1948, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Eleanor and Myron Kordal, Linda lived a life guided by faith, love, and devotion to her family. She was the beloved wife of 55 years to George Palek, and the cherished mother of four daughters - Regina Mauder, Jennifer (Frank) Culin, Stephanie (Kevin) Church, and Amanda (Mike) Tesar. She was also the adored grandmother of Maria, Stephen, Peter, Brady, Ashley, Emily, Timothy, Liam, Carter, and Luke, each of whom brought her endless joy and pride.
Linda graduated from Parma High School in 1965 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Cleveland State University in 1969. After completing her student teaching, she began her career with the Cleveland School System, later serving as a substitute teacher throughout Greater Cleveland and in many Catholic schools as she balanced her growing family. She ultimately retired from the Cleveland Municipal School System after 23 dedicated years. One of the highlights of her teaching career was discovering that one of her former students had gone on to play for the Cleveland Browns - a young man who had once charmed her by asking after every assignment, "Please, may I have more?"
A lifelong Browns fan, Linda was proud to be one of the original owners of a Personal Seat License (PSL) at the team's new stadium when it opened in 1999. She loved her lower-bowl seats in Section 127 - safely tucked under the overhang to stay dry during rain or snow - though she often joked that on cold November days, the warmth of the ladies' restroom was even better than the game itself.
Linda's enthusiasm for health and wellness was unmatched. She was a devoted member of many Lake County fitness clubs over the years, including Heisley Racquet Club, FitWorks, and Brunner's Wellness Center. Always eager to learn something new, she explored countless Pilates, yoga, and dance studios, delighting in every new class and instructor she met.
Above all, Linda treasured her role as a grandmother. She was the picture of joy - always eager to connect with her grandchildren, often declaring that FaceTime was one of the greatest inventions ever made. Through it, she kept close tabs on every hockey, volleyball, basketball, soccer, and lacrosse game, cheering on her grandchildren from near or far.
A proud advocate for girls in sports, Linda encouraged her daughters from their early days on the Pinegate Summer Swim Team through high school, where each earned a varsity letter in swimming. She became a fixture at swim meets and gymnastics competitions, volunteering as a timer, scorer, and videographer, capturing countless moments that her family will treasure forever.
In retirement, Linda and George enjoyed traveling together to visit family and grandchildren in Chicago, Myrtle Beach, Nashville, and Tucson. Though she was not a fan of flying, she embraced international travel with an open heart, exploring Japan, Aruba, Riviera Maya, Atlantis, San Juan, and Canada. Each trip deepened her appreciation for new traditions, cultures, and ways of life.
Linda will be remembered for her warmth, laughter, and unwavering love for her family. She brought joy to everyone she met and leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and faith.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the incredible staff at Danbury Senior Living and the compassionate team at Hospice of the Western Reserve. Their kindness, professionalism, and genuine care brought comfort and peace to both Linda and her loved ones during her final days. The family will be forever grateful for the warmth, dignity, and support these dedicated caregivers provided throughout Linda's journey.
A Funeral Mass celebrating Linda's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025, at St. Bede the Venerable Church, 9114 Lakeshore Blvd., Mentor, OH. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the start of Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Linda's honor to the Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation.
To share memories or condolences with the family, please visit the McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Home website.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
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Linda Rose (Kordal) Palek
January 14, 1948 – October 8, 2025
Linda Rose Palek, 77, of Mentor, Ohio, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025, after a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on January 14, 1948, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Eleanor and Myron Kordal, Linda lived a life guided by fait