Linda Martorella Specht born April 20, 1954, passed away on August 2nd, 2020 after a long battle with cancer. She graduated from T.R. Proctor High School and received her B.A. in History from Utica College of Syracuse University. She is preceded in death by her parents, Dominick and Aurora Antonelli Martorella, her infant son, Stephen Thomas Specht and her brother in law, Francis A Scalzo.
She is survived by her two sons who were the light of her life, Daniel G. Specht & fiancé Rosana Rivera and Michael E. Specht. Daniel was her rock and always there for support. Michael, with whom she lived, gave her loving and care and strength that meant everything in the last few years.
Her two sisters, Marie Cheney and Anotinette Scalzo, and brother in law Martin D. Cheney were her best friends. Marie took care of and supported Linda through all her life. Marie was her “person”. Antoinette’s little treats and surprises were much appreciated.
She cherished her Godchildren, Barbara Cheney Barnes of Clearwater, who gave her such loving care, Martin A. Cheney of Clearwater and Kayla Wren of Utica, who blessed her with wonderful art. Linda was grateful for her many nieces and nephews, especially Valerie Reese who took her to many of her chemo appointments and her husband Chris Reese for his compassion.
The encouragement and support of her friends helped her through the most difficult stages of her illness. This included her life long friend, Cynthia Buck, who she had many happy memories with and of course her group of Westmoreland friends who always brought her laughter and joy: Desi Obernesser, Josephine Smith, Nancy Sommer, Donna Greer, Elaine Buttenschoen, and Kim Stevener found ways to cheer her up even on her worst days. Linda believed in family, friends and faith. She loved the holidays and loved her pets, especially her cat Daisy.
The family would like to thank all the medical teams that worked to give Linda a quality of life and more time with her loved ones: Florida Cancer specialists, Dr. Georges Bergier and Denise MacAllister for their years of compassionate care, Primary Dr. Melanie De Souza and the team at Suncoast Hospice Care Center of Pinellas Park.
The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Raphael Catholic Church, St. Petersburg, FL on August 22nd at 10am. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Utica, NY at a later date. Please omit floral offerings.
To the Specht family – Ron and I are very sorry to hear about Linda’s passing. As of now, she is no longer suffering and now at peace. May she rest in peace. Prayers and condolences to all. Kathie and Ron Pomichter (Martin’s sister)
Michael,
I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your mother! Even though I may have never met her, if she is anything like you she must have been such a wonderful person.
My family will continue to keep you in our prayers and we are always here for you and your family in whatever you may need.
Sincerely,
Andrew Henderson and Family
Our hearts are broken, we hope that God’s Grace will see you thru this difficult time. Prayers and thoughts ❤️
Words cannot express with the passing of Linda means to me. From the first time I met her in the hallway of Proctor High to the last time I saw her at Florida’s Proctor Reunion she always had that beautiful smile that could warm anyone’s heart that she came in contact with. Once upon a time ago the Martorella family was a big part of my life and Linda was like a sister to me.My sincere sympathy to all the family. Linda will always be Aunt Linda to me.RIP until we meet again.
Michael and Dan,
I am truly sadden by the passing of your Mom. She was a very special lady and LOVED you both to the moon and back. She was always so bright and full of life. I loved her visits with us in which she glowed when she spoke of the both of you. She will always be in my heart. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers and wish we could be there for the both of you.
HUGS
Kim Stevener