Linda E. Piddington, Sharon, PA passed away at 9:07 p.m. Friday (5-27-11) at home surrounded by her family. She was 55.

Linda was born July 9, 1955 in Sharon a daughter of Milton and Ruth Caldwell Epstein.

She graduated with honors from Sharon High School in 1973 and received her bachelor's degree in English from Westminster College, New Wilmington, in 1977.

Linda worked on the Behavioral Health Unit at Sharon Regional Health System for the past ten years. Her true calling, however, was working with children and taking care of others. Linda was previously a Therapeutic Staff Support worker in the Hermitage and Sharon School Districts and a social worker at the Sharon and Farrell Family Centers. She also co-founded the Little People Preschool at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Hermitage, in 1986 and was employed by First National Bank.

Linda volunteered with the Sharon Regional Health System Auxiliary, Case Ave. PTO and the Westminster College Alumni Council, helping to coordinate numerous events for each organization. She enjoyed reading and spending time with her family, particularly her granddaughter.

Surviving are : a daughter, Melanie Piddington, Sharon; a son, Michael Piddington and his wife Anne and their daughter, Carollin, Mercer, PA; a brother, James Epstein and his wife Mary Anne, Sharon; and an aunt, Eileen Caldwell, also Sharon.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Sharon Regional Health System Hospice and Palliative Care, 2320 Highland Rd., Hermitage, PA 16148.

Calling hours will be from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday (5-31-11) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.

Friends may email condolences by visiting www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Private funeral service will be held Wednesday (6-1-11) in the funeral home chapel.

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage.