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Linda Louise Kinast

October 16, 1943 - July 19, 2023

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Obituary For Linda Louise Kinast

Linda had a way of bringing family together while steering the rugged ship of life. Her final motto became “Remember the Laughter” after having lived most of her life in the South Hills region of Pittsburgh. She passed away in the care of loved ones after a 2020 cancer diagnosis derailed her plans but strengthened her resolve to love family and friends passionately. Linda leaves behind three adult children - Karen Mayo (husband Jeff), Robert Kirk (wife Christa), and Daniel Kirk (wife Michelle); nine grandchildren - Victoria Carney, Tyler Staab, Nicholas Lupori (wife Vic), Timothy Lupori, Sydney Kirk, Dylan Kirk, Rebecca Kirk, Brian Kirk, and Bethany Kirk; four great-grandchildren - Kali Kirk, Eathin Carney, Harmony Carney, and Eddie Lupori; one great-great-grandchild - Alise Carney; a sister - Suzanne Mueller (husband Karl); a brother - Richard Kinast (wife Eileen); one niece - Lori Kinast; and three nephews - Mark Mueller, Matthew Kinast, and Joseph Kinast. She is preceded in death by her daughter whom she missed dearly every day - Carol Kirk-Staab (widower, Alan); and two grandsons - Anthony Lupori and Brandon Gregurich; her parents - Sylvester and Mary (Phillips) Kinast; as well as Francis Kirk and Paul Busch. Linda cherished the rekindled friendships she shared with Fran’s sisters - Mary Jane (deceased), Theresa, Margie, Kathleen, and Patty. Linda was a model of the working success of a mid-twentieth century high school graduate. She earned her diploma from St. Basil’s (1961) and later became employed with Bell Telephone (now Verizon) where she worked her way to upper management over a career of more than thirty years. Her proudest possession was her home, which she purchased as a single mother, in Baldwin in 1980, and where she lived until she passed as she had always wished - despite promising to “sell the damn place as soon as…” Between songs that she never really knew the lyrics to and television shows she would watch with the sound turned off, and from a love for the Pittsburgh Pirates to joy in seeing others join her on vacations, Linda made the most of her retired years by hosting holiday gatherings and summer cook-outs. Her favorite pastime was beating just about anyone in a game of dominoes.
Linda left the Earth believing that her soul would be transferred to God, and that she would spend eternity with her deceased family members and the true love of her life, her Knight, Marty Mey, with whom she spent time before his own untimely demise in 2001. Linda will be missed but her legacy will remain in the memories of those who loved her. No one in her family will ever pass a “Garage Sale” sign again without smiling and thinking of that one thing that Gram bought that one time - including the exact price. A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road,
Brentwood 15227 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Linda’s ashes will be laid to rest near her family at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Linda’s honor to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memorials Processing, Memphis, TN 38105.

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Condolences

  • July 22, 2023

    Cindy and Jeff Creighton

    Karen and family Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your mother. Always enjoyed her conversations and laughing. She made the best Potato Salad. Hope someone knows her recipe. Keeping you all in our prayers Cindy and Jeff Creighton

  • July 21, 2023

    JANE EIBEN

    MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH LINDA ON HER JOURNEY TO HEAVEN. I SO ENJOYED HER FRIENDSHIP AT THE BEAUTY SALON, WE HAD MANY LAUGHS. REST IN PEACE DEAR LINDA. JANE EIBEN

  • July 20, 2023

    Elaine Becker

    As a new employee at "the phone company" in the early 80's I had the good fortune to work with Linda. In that high-stress, call center environment, with constant electronic monitoring, and pressure to "sell, sell, sell", Linda was a shining light. She shared her knowledge and wisdom and laughter. Linda made a bad day tolerable, and a good day even better. In the 90's our career paths took us in different directions. But I never stopped appreciating Linda's guidance and kindness, and I never will. Rest in peace, Linda. You, of all people, earned a good rest. Thank you, dear friend. Elaine Becker

  • July 20, 2023

    Margie Senchak

    Linda was a very special lady and I will miss her everyday. I remember how much fun we had on our "sisters" vacations. She always brought so much fun and laughter to our trips. It didn't seem to matter what was planned, her reply was always "count me in"!! Her favorite place was deep creek, Maryland. I am so thankful we had a chance to spend a weekend there with her not too long ago. One thing you could always count on was Linda's smile and laughter. She was so proud of her family and we were all able to keep up with everything going on in their lives with the stories she told us. I am very grateful to her children for giving me the opportunity to say goodbye just a few days ago. Rest in peace Linda, everyone who ever knew you will miss you. Margie Senchak