Linda S. Lerch's Obituary
Linda “Lerchy” Lerch, 71, of Liverpool, NY – a sports enthusiast, ringleader of fun, and a kid at heart – passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on July 31, 1954, in Harrisburg, PA, Linda made the most of every moment, loved with her whole heart, and brought an unmistakable positivity and energy to everything she did. She never met a stranger, treasured her connections like keepsakes, and was always ready to share her next adventure. Any time spent with Linda turned into a story – something unforgettable, something comical, something worth sharing. She also had a natural gift for telling stories and the larger the audience, the more her tales grew.
Linda received a BS in Health and Physical Education from West Chester University and an MS in Education from James Madison University, where she served as the assistant women’s lacrosse coach. At Cornell University, Linda held her most cherished role as the head coach of women’s basketball, following two seasons as head coach at Randolph-Macon College. After coaching, she held various positions in sales and marketing, proving to be a jill of all trades. Linda supported and was extremely passionate about both men’s and women’s sports, particularly Syracuse University women’s basketball. She was most happy sitting courtside with her partner, Jill Keller, proudly wearing Cuse orange. Linda was deeply grateful for her Alcoholics Anonymous community, where she both found and shared strength, encouragement, and love.
Linda was preceded in death by her mother, Janet L. (Beck) Lerch; her father, Harry W. Lerch; her stepmother, ElizabethAnne (Zimmerman) Lerch and her brother, Richard J. Lerch. She is lovingly remembered by her partner, Jill Keller, who made Linda’s already big smile even bigger and by her son, Christopher Strayer, who was an immense source of pride. She is also survived by her brother, William (Sherry) Lerch; her sister, Suzanne (Scott) Hile; her sister-in-law, Tambra Lerch; her niece, Kasey (Jonathan) Talarek; her nephew, Brian Lerch; her beloved dogs, Teddy, Elliott, Kasey, and Jasper and countless fun-loving and inspiring friends. Linda loved her people deeply and found her purpose in bringing others together and turning connections into something lasting and beautiful. The light she brought to every space she entered will be missed.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, May 31 from 1:00 – 4:00 PM at Drumlins Country Club, 800 Nottingham Rd, Syracuse, NY 13224.
Linda’s family thanks Alcoholics Anonymous for their constant fellowship.
In lieu of flowers, AA members can donate in her memory at their local AA group or online or send a check payable to “General Service Board” to PO Box 2407, James A Farley Station, New York, NY 10116-2407. Donations may also be made in her memory to the Syracuse Women’s Basketball Head Coach’s Fund through the ‘Cuse Athletics Fund website.
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