Vicki Lynn Lingner

Vicki Lynn Lingner, 78, of Brookfield, OH, passed away on October 6, 2025, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA.

Mrs. Lingner was born on September 20, 1947, in Sharon, daughter of the late Cle and Gloria (DeCapua) Rivetti. A lifelong area resident, she graduated from Sharon High School in 1965. She attended Edinboro State Teachers College and graduated with a bachelor's degree in secondary English.

Vicki spent her career in education, beginning as an English and creative writing teacher at Mercer High School for three years. She then took a position at the Sharon School District, and throughout her tenure, she taught English, writing, speech, and was the program specialist for the gifted program. In 1974, she was awarded the "Outstanding Secondary Educator of America," and in 1994, was elected by students as the recipient of the "Elizabeth McMullen and Anna Grace Smith Teacher Appreciation Award." Following her retirement, she served on the board of the Sharon High School Alumni Hall of Fame.

Vicki loved the Shenango Valley and served on the Buhl Day Committee and was the Children's Theatre chairperson. For several years, she volunteered at the Meszaros Charitable Fund, working at the annual Bavarian Fund Feast. Her philanthropic endeavors did not go unnoticed; in 2022, she was recognized as a Buhl Day Honoree.

A talented storyteller, she shared her gift for more than 20 years as a volunteer at local nursing homes, schools and parks, throughout the Shenango Valley and Northeast Ohio. Vicki transformed stories for her audiences by dressing the part of her characters and bringing to life the characters and lessons in her stories. She earned the nickname of the "storytelling lady." She loved Shel Silverstein and would want her loved ones to remember "There are no happy endings. Endings are the saddest part, so just give me a happy middle, and a very happy start."

She is survived by her husband, Richard Lingner, whom she married on August 17, 1973; sister, Reggi Rivetti, of Sharon; two brothers, David Rivetti, of Carmel Valley, CA, and Daniel Rivetti, of San Diego, CA; two God-daughters, Sarah Keso, of Akron, OH, and Lilly Reed, of Sharon; 12 nieces and nephews, Jasmine Austin (Steven), Jhade Smith (Jason Leider), Emily Hoovler (Rick), Jessica Heisler (Jeff), Carlo Rivetti (Carly), Nico Rivetti (Arianna), Gianni Rivetti, Michael Rivetti (Penelope), Lexi, Clay and Bella Rivetti, and Billie Moyer (Matt); and many cherished great-nieces and nephews.

The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to Buhl Park, 715 Hazen Rd., Hermitage, PA 16148.

Calling hours will be 10 a.m. until noon, on Friday (10/10/2025) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 East State St., Sharon.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 12:30 p.m. Friday, in St. Joseph's Church, 79 Case Ave., Sharon, with Rev. Raymond Gramata as celebrant.

There will be a celebration of Vicki's life at a later date.