On March 23, Linda “Lynn” Lucille Staba (née Pacanowski), longtime resident of Guilford and native Chicagoan, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family. Lynn was born in Chicago, Illinios on May 5, 1947, daughter of the late Joseph Pacanowski and Lucille (Przybyski) Pacanowski.
Valuing education from an early age, Lynn excelled at Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School before attending Rosary College and the University of Illinois. Selecting a path that allowed her to share her love of reading and writing, Lynn began a career in special education with gusto, electing to work within the projects of 1960s Chicago. With endless patience, grace, and intelligence, Lynn has touched the lives of countless students throughout the years, caring for their hopes, dreams, and spirits as well as their education. Not content with just one vocation, Lynn also undertook the roles of business owner, writer, editor, Cub Scouts pack leader, tutor, and confidante. She could be found exchanging life stories with just about anyone, always putting at ease those around her with her kind smile and Midwestern mannerisms.
She was a lover of an elegantly written poem, a warm summer breeze over the water, a heartfelt handwritten letter, a fine meal, an impromptu dance, the works of composer Aaron Copeland, and the toe-tapping rhythms of the best of Motown.
Lynn will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 51 years, Andrew; children David (Kimberly) Staba of Manchester and Katie Staba of Chicago, Illinois; three grandchildren, Thomas, Eric, and Dashiell; and sisters Gail (Joe) Dizonno and Barbara (Jerry) Binkowski. She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Lucille Pacanowski.
COVID-19 guidelines apply—social distancing and face masks must be worn. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 6 in St. George Church, 33 Whitfield Street, Guilford. Burial will follow in North Guilford Cemetery, 159 Ledge Hill Road, Guilford. (Limited space is available.) Registration is required; to register, visit www.stgeorgeguilford.org/reservation-for-funeral-mass. Those with no Internet access can call the office at 203-453-2788 x 215. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.
Arrangements are in care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.
