
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.
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Movie List
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