Linda Alice (Pope) Whitney

Linda Alice (Pope) Whitney, 82, passed away June 7, 2026, after a long illness. Linda was born on September 14, 1943, in Akron, Ohio, the eldest child of John and Alice Pope. Linda lived most of her life in the Akron area, after growing up in Wayne County and attending Chippewa Local Schools in Doylestown where she graduated with honors in 1961. She then attended The University of Akron, where she received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. While there, Linda was active in campus activities, most notably serving as President of her sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma. Upon her graduation she spent her entire teaching career in the Akron Public Schools, including time at Lane, Highland Park, and Barrett. She cared deeply for her students and spent countless hours on individualized lesson plans to ensure each student would be given the maximum opportunity to succeed. After retiring from teaching, Linda began a second career working for the City of Akron’s Motor Equipment Department, where she enjoyed making treats and keeping a refrigerator stocked with cold drinks for “her guys.” 

In her younger years, Linda enjoyed playing bridge and cooking. She could often be found looking through magazines and cookbooks to find recipes for her next culinary creations. 

Linda was preceded in death by her husband Robert (Bob) Whitney. She is survived by her siblings, John (Joan) of Jackson, GA; Susan Proano (Franklin), of Worthington, OH; Amy Pugliese (Frank, deceased), and Jennifer Blickle (John), both of Akron, along with many nieces and nephews. Linda also was devoted to her fur babies, Daffy, Maggie, Chrissy, Daisy, and Lily, all golden retrievers. 

Linda is also survived by her long-time close friend, Laura Grubb, whose love and friendship on a daily basis over several decades made her a chosen member of our family.

We would also like to thank the kind and caring staff of The Ridge in Montrose for their thoughtful and compassionate care of Linda during her last weeks. Southern Care Hospice also greatly enhanced Linda’s quality of life over the past year with the tender and loving care they provided, especially her Hospice nurse, Matt, social worker, Frank, and special aide, Victoria.

As per Linda’s request, there will be no services. Arrangements are being handled by Ciriello & Carr, Fairlawn. If you have any memories you would like to share, please sign the Guest Book on their site and let us know how Linda impacted your life. Linda was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

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