Linda Leshner Pavlick

December  19th, 1956 October  10th, 2024
Linda Leshner Pavlick

Remember to make a difference and find the magic in every day.
- Linda

Obituary

Linda Pavlick (Leshner), wonderful mother, loyal friend, and respected teacher, passed away on October 10, 2024, at the age of 67, after a 24-year resilient journey with cancer. Initially diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer, she was unfortunately challenged with metastatic bone cancer these recent years. Linda lived in New York's Capital Region until a month before her passing and was surrounded by the comfort of her darling children in her final weeks.

Her greatest legacy is her three kids: Robyn, Lauren, and Jesse. They were the loves of her life, bringing her endless joy, pride and purpose. Linda was an extraordinary mother who always put her children first: nurturing them, championing them, worrying about them, and ensuring they never forgot how deeply she loved them. 'I love you more' was her favorite saying. Her incredible spirit will forever shine in her children's hearts and souls, guiding not only them but also her son-in-law and Lauren's husband, Matt, as they strive to live fulfilling lives in her devastating absence.

Linda enjoyed an idyllic childhood in the Catskills (Monticello, NY) and leaves behind the 'Leshner girls' (her sisters and first cousins). She is predeceased by her beloved parents, Helen and Mischa Leshner, who were pillars of their community and whose memories she held dear to her heart. Linda cherished her summers at Harmony Country Club on Lake Anawana, the Borscht Belt resort family business from her youth, and was raised in a loving Jewish household. She proudly embraced her Jewish heritage throughout her life (zikhronah livracha: "may her memory be a blessing")

Her affinity for the outdoors defined her early, vibrant years; she found peace in her connection to nature. Linda moved to Vermont for college, earning her B.S. in Education from the University of Vermont in 1978, followed by a second degree in Civil Engineering. She stayed in Vermont-her happy place-for several years with her then-husband, Gary Pavlick, the father of her children, where Linda hiked mountains, tended to her garden, and appreciated the beauty of the natural world. Treasured annual family vacations in coastal New England (Martha's Vineyard, Gloucester, and Rockport) were filled with ocean views and her most-loved indulgence: fresh lobster and steamers.

Later in the Albany, NY area, Linda devoted herself to raising her children. When her youngest, Jesse, entered kindergarten, she embarked on a profound 25+ year career with the East Greenbush Central School District, from which she retired in 2022. Her enduring impact as an educator became her life's work and second greatest legacy. Linda's roles spanned from classroom aide to teacher's assistant and included running a learning resource center while also tutoring in her spare time. She influenced countless middle and high school students and took pride in helping those who were less fortunate or who had special needs. Linda's proficiency in math and science was a valuable asset in shaping her students' success, particularly through her volunteer work with the Science Olympiad teams. Many will remember Linda not only as a teacher but also as a mentor and confidant, who believed in and advocated for her students when others did not.

Linda is also survived by her close-knit group of friends ('the ladies'), all of whom she met through her school work: Cheri, Kathy, Sally, Donna, Renee, Josie, Lisa, and Sue. Her children are very grateful for the love, support, and laughter these women shared with her through both the good times and the difficult ones, as well as the companionship of her great pals Libby and Jay.

They would also like to extend their sincere thanks to her 'brain trust' of doctors, including but not limited to Dr. Larry Norton, Dr. Jacquelyn Bromberg, Dr. Maria Theodoulou, Dr. Natalie Moryl, Dr. Melissa Zinovoy, Dr. Nicola Fabbri, and the many professionals at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center who provided Linda with compassion and expert care since 2000.

Photos

Memory & Photo Request

If you were a student of Linda's, or one of her co-workers, her children invite you to share your memories and stories of how she inspired you, and to upload any photos you may have of or with her. As a dedicated teacher, she touched many lives—whether it was through her encouragement in the classroom or the way she made everyone feel seen and valued. Your reflections on how she impacted you and the incredible difference she made in the lives of others will help us celebrate her legacy as an educator during her gathering of remembrance on May 3rd.


Children

Other family members
Matt Soriano
Son-in-Law
Cosmo
Grandpuppy
Lauren Soriano
Robyn Pavlick
Jesse Pavlick
Lauren Soriano
Robyn Pavlick
Jesse Pavlick
Linda Pavlick

Movie List


Linda's favorite movies:
She wasn’t always able to participate in some activities after her cancer diagnosis and subsequent health issues, but movies gave her a chance to explore, dream, and connect with the world in ways that truly resonated with her. Whether she was laughing at a comedy, feeling inspired by a drama, or escaping to fantasy lands, she found joy and meaning in the stories she watched.


Movies weren’t just a pastime for her—they were a way to connect with her kids. Sitting together to share a movie night was more than just entertainment; it was a cherished tradition, filled with laughter, discussions, and even tears. It brought them closer and gave them countless memories they’ll hold onto forever.


To honor her, Linda’s kids created a list of favorite films. We hope this collection inspires your future movie nights and helps you feel close to her: https://bit.ly/LindasMovies

A Gathering of Remembrance


Join Linda’s children as they come together to celebrate the life and legacy of their mom in a special Gathering of Remembrance. This day will be a time to honor her memory and reflect on the profound impact she had on those around her.

In recognition of Linda’s enduring contributions as an educator, this memorial will be held in one of the schools where she dedicated so much of her time and energy shaping young minds.

Heartfelt remarks will be shared by her children and select family members and friends. Additional details, including the program and potential refreshments, will be posted here closer to the date.

Following the formal remarks, Linda’s children warmly invite anyone in attendance to share their own memories and stories about her—whether they are funny, meaningful, or simply moments that reflect her kindness, humor, and the difference she made in your life. Please consider speaking!

Your love and support are the greatest gifts—we kindly ask that flowers not be brought.

If you are traveling to the area and looking to make a trip out of it, her children encourage you to enjoy some of the places their mom loved. Whether it's exploring the surrounding Hudson Valley or nearby main street of Hudson (her favorite restaurant: Feast & Floret), or spending time in the Berkshires (where she often skied and listened to concerts at Tanglewood), there is so much to experience—especially outdoors, where she found peace.
Location
Howard L Goff Middle School
*in the library*
35 Gilligan Road
East Greenbush, NY 12061
Date/time
Saturday, May 3rd 
1 - 1:30PM: arrivals
1:30PM: remarks begin
Attire
While wearing black is perfectly fine, her children encourage attendees to wear whatever feels comfortable and reflective of Linda’s vibrant spirit. Bright colors, patterns, or casual attire are gladly welcomed. 

Donate

As a lifelong caretaker of animals, her children invite you to donate to One More Dog Rescue, the organization that saved her precious grandpuppy, Cosmo, whom she frequently cared for. Please include the note: "In memory of Linda, Cosmo's Grandma." The rescue accepts Venmo donations (@onemoredogrescue) or PayPal: https://www.omdrescue.org/support.html
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