Linda Hootman Serene
Linda Hootman Serene passed away on Saturday, August 19, 2023, after a lengthy illness.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and Frank Hootman.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Harry Serene; daughter, Amy (Jeff) Barker; son, Scott (Michelle) Serene; granddaughters, Casey and Sydney; extended family and many beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was born in Washington, grew up in Brownsville and Centerville, and graduated from Beth-Center High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree from California University of Pennsylvania (Penn-West University) and a master’s degree from Penn State.
Linda had an active and full life. Among her many accomplishments, she worked in communications at NASA in Washington D.C., and was Dean of Women at California when she married Harry.
Her life was full of adventures. In her 80 years she visited the far corners of the world and over 65 countries, including: Polynesia, Australia and Galapagos Islands. She was equally passionate about hosting events in her home and working in the garden, driving her tractor, as she was about following her investments.
She was an active volunteer in her civic and religious life and served on many boards, often as an officer. She was elected to the Upper St. Clair School Board and served for 10 years, including a term as president. She was co-founder of the Leadership Academy at California University, and she was instrumental in founding the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair. Linda has been an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church where she was an elder, supporter of the music program and active member of the Endowment Committee. She supported the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and was especially active in its outreach activities.
Linda was a dynamic force wherever she found herself and spent her life trying to make this world a better place.
A service celebrating her life will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 22nd. A reception at St. Clair Country Club will follow. The Serene family welcomes friends and relatives to please join them at either or of both these events.
In lieu of flowers, Linda requested donations to Westminster Presbyterian Church or the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair.
Arrangements by BEINHAUER, 2828 Washington Road, McMurray, 724-941-3211. Please add and view tributes at www.beinhauer.com.