Pauline K. Lininger
Pauline K. Lininger, 83, of Mill Run died Monday, November 17, 2003, in Highlands Hospital, Connellsville. She was born April 11, 1920, in Connellsville, a daughter of the late William R. and Sara MacDonald Kooser.
Mrs. Lininger graduated with highest honors from Connellsville High School, Class of 1938. She then graduated from Franklin Commercial College. She was the library assistant to Elida Micklo at Connellsville Senior High School from 1968 to 1973. She was later employed as the office manager at the Indian Creek Valley Water Authority from 1973 to May 14, 1982, where she worked under Ferne Colborn.
Pauline loved children and animals and was supportive of many causes, including the plight of the American Indian, feeding the children, animal rights and many environmental concerns. She was known for her generosity and sensitivity to the needs of others.
She was a member of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and also worked at the election polls for many years and served as a committeewoman.
Among her many avocations was her love of nature and the outdoors. She was an avid gardener and traveler. She loved cooking and baking, crossword puzzles and classical music. She was especially fond of bagpipe music and attended the Scottish Heritage Festival whenever possible.
She was an active member of the Mill Run United Methodist Church and the Adult Sunday School Class. She loved and served the Lord and Christian Outreach.
She is survived by her loving husband of 631/2 years, Ralph Lininger, whom she married May 25, 1940, in the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Connellsville; two daughters, Linda Benzinger and her husband, William Jr., of Cabot, Pa.; and Krista Lininger of Connellsville and her friend, Clemente Bettenissi of Pittsburgh; a son-in-law, Robert Baker, of West Middlesex, Pa.; five grandchildren, Janet O’Connor and her husband, Michael, of Longwood, Fla., Lt. Mark Baker, U.S.N., and his wife, Lori, of Great Lakes, Ill., William Benzinger III and his wife, Melissa, of Cabot, Pa., Rebecca Ewing and her husband, the Rev. Patrick, of New Castle and Laura Lininger of Connellsville; seven great-grandchildren, Stephen, John and Karen O’Connor, Jacob, Hannah and Liam Benzinger and Ashley Ewing; two sisters, Sara Elizabeth Firsch of Summer, Iowa; and Arlene Persing and her husband, Herbert, of Pittsfield, Pa.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a daughter, Karen Baker; four brothers, William Jr., John, Vernon and Burnette Kooser; and two sisters, Laura Belle Herrington and Stella Wilma Gregg.
Friends will be received in the BROOKS FUNERAL HOME INC., 111 E. Green St., Connellsville, Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m., Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the hour of services in the funeral home, with the Rev. Thomas Bonomo officiating. Interment will follow in the Normalville Cemetery. www.brooksfunderalhomes.com.