Linda Kiessling Stewart of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida was received into the arms of her heavenly Father on June 14, 2025. She was known and loved for her joyful personality and kind heart. Linda was a friend to anyone she met.
Linda was born on September 9, 1940, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania to John David “Jack” Kiessling and Florence Elizabeth “Betty” (Dawson) Kiessling. Linda was Jack and Betty’s fifth child in a loving, lively family that would ultimately consist of seven brothers and sisters. She had a happy childhood, enjoying the special opportunity of being able to grow up both “in town” by Brandon Park and “on the farm” in Loyalsock Township. She graduated from Williamsport High School in 1958.
Those who knew Linda would say she considered being a mother to her two sons her calling. Her boys have been forever marked by their mom’s unwavering love, sacrifice, prayers and encouragement.
Linda loved her work at St. Michael’s School in Stuart, Florida (The Pine School) serving the students, faculty, staff and parents there with warmth and kindness. She worked as a teaching assistant, librarian, and ultimately the school secretary. In her retirement, a job that became dear to her heart was helping seniors through My Daughter is in Town, a company that provides elder care concierge services in Ponte Vedra Beach.
One of Linda’s most treasured roles was serving as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Jensen Beach, Florida where she helped administer Holy Communion to parishioners both during services and when they were homebound due to illness. When she moved to Northeast Florida, she loved serving in various capacities at Shepherd of the Woods Lutheran Church. Throughout her adult life, Linda drew a special strength and comfort from her relationship with Jesus that made those around her feel loved and accepted.
Linda enjoyed traveling the world with her late husband, James H. “Jim” Stewart, playing golf with her friends, walking on the beach, and doing water aerobics. More than anything, Linda cherished being Haley’s Grammy the past 14 years.
Surviving are her sons, Frederick S. Pacacha, Jr. (Jennifer) of Atlantic Beach, Florida and Patrick B. Pacacha (Kate) of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, her sister, Eleanor “Norie” Gleckner of Williamsport, and a granddaughter, Haley. Linda is also survived by Jim’s sons, Doug Stewart (Olivia) of Ramona, California and Roger Stewart (Krysthal) of Coronado, California and Jim’s six grandchildren — Cameron, Tyler, Briana, Joanna, William and Emma.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James H. Stewart, three brothers; Russell E. “Bo” Kiessling, John D. “Jack” Kiessling, William S. “Bill” Kiessling and two sisters, Mary A. Troisi and Barbara K. Keener, and Jim’s son, Christopher B. Stewart.
The family will hold a private service in Williamsport.
If friends and loved ones would like to make a donation in honor of Linda’s memory, contributions to the Cure Alzheimer's Fund and / or Hospice of Florida would be appreciated.
