Linda T. Lombardo's Obituary
Linda Teresa Lombardo, Ph.D.
May 12, 1949 - August 7, 2023
Dr. Linda T. Lombardo passed away peacefully on August 7, 2023, in the hospital after a grueling fight with head and neck cancer. Born in Elizabeth, NJ on May 12, 1949, Linda was the third of four daughters of Agnes C. and Anthony F. Lombardo. She lived in Linden, NJ throughout her childhood and teen years surrounded by a community of extended family and numerous friends until she left for Georgetown University after completing high school. Throughout her life, Linda was a student who never ceased to search for knowledge and understanding of the world and the people in it.
After entering Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service, Linda changed the direction of her studies and in 1971 was the first woman to be graduated from Georgetown’s College of Arts and Sciences, even though she was never “officially” accepted into it. Linda then spent a year at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, MA where she focused on writing poetry. She later received a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from The University of Iowa.
After teaching in Maryland and Philadelphia, as well as serving as principal of St. Patrick’s school in Phenix City, Alabama and Program Director at Trinita Family Life and Development Center in Connecticut, Linda settled in Maryland and attended Loyola University Maryland where she was awarded both her masters and doctoral degrees in pastoral counseling. She served as an intern and later as the Executive Director of Lighthouse Youth and Family Services in Catonsville, MD for many years. Linda also maintained a private practice up until the time of her death.
Linda had a very rich and active spiritual life and a great love of books and music. She was an active member of The Catholic Community at Relay, The Catonsville Women’s Giving Circle and various book clubs and professional groups. Her absence in the community as well as in her family will be felt by many for years to come. Linda is survived by her three sisters, Mrs. Mary L. Naiman, Mrs. Kathleen Buchanan and Mrs. Barbara Hemmings, as well as by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and friends.
To quote Linda herself as she described her life - “... I have made a career out of working for love, not for money. And I have always worked with children when possible.”
A celebration of life will be held at The Catholic Community at Relay, 5025 Cedar Avenue, Relay, MD 21227, on Saturday, October 21st at 2:00 PM.
Donations in memory of Linda can be made to the following:
The Foundation for Baltimore County Public Library, https://www.foundationforbcpl.org/support-the-foundation/make-a-gift/ (In the Comment field you can specify for the Catonsville Branch)
The Catholic Community at Relay, https://www.ccrelay.org/
L'Arche - Frederick, MD ( a community of people with and without intellectual disabilities), https://www.larchefrederick.org/donate
The Catonsville Women’s Giving Circle, https://www.catonsvillewomengiving.org/. Donations can be made by check payable to Catonsville Women's Giving Circle, P.O. Box 3263, Catonsville, MD 21228.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
What’s your fondest memory of Linda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Linda?
Share a story where Linda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Linda you’ll never forget.
How did Linda make you smile?