Obituary of Linda Marie McAndrew

Linda McAndrew, RN CCRN CRNP PhD(C) Linda Marie (Colburn) McAndrew, Newton Township, passed away Sat., June 10 at Hospice of the Sacred Heart after a courageous battle with liver cancer. Her husband is Gerard McAndrew. Born September 12, 1956, she was the daughter of the late Julia Minzak Colburn. Linda was a 1974 graduate of Old Forge High School, where she was a founding member of the Lady Devils basketball team. She was long-time member of St. Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic Church, Old Forge. Linda earned her RN from the former Scranton State General Hospital School of Nursing, after which she began a distinguished professional career in the nursing field. She earned her BSN from Wilkes University, her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Scranton, and was in the process of completing her PhD in Nursing Research at the The Pennsylvania State University. She was a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner and a Critical Care RN. Linda left a legacy of care and compassion in the nursing profession, from her students who are now practicing the craft to her presentations on the local, state, and national stage. She was employed by Community Medical Center for 35 years and was a founding member of the area's first Trauma Center at CMC in 1988, serving as Administrative Director of the Trauma Program for 23 years. In 2011, she became a full-time nurse educator as faculty at Penn State University Worthington Scranton Campus; she previously served the university as a clinical instructor for 15 years. As a past member of the Board of Directors of Emergency Medical Services of Northeast Pennsylvania and of the Lackawanna County Emergency Management Agency, Linda played a pivotal role in developing and drilling the area's emergency management plans. She actively volunteered with the American Red Cross, Penn State THON, the Salvation Army, and various 4-H camps and clubs. An animal lover, her home was always filled with a variety of animal family members. Annual vacations at the Outer Banks of North Carolina were occasions of great family joy. Linda was most proud of her daughter Katelin, a 2015 graduate of The Pennsylvania State University and a current teacher in the Bronx. She is also survived by sisters Shirley Helbing (Russell), Old Forge and Kathy Price (Dave), Clarks Summit; nephew Erik Helbing (Mary-Lee) Berwick; nieces Tara Seymour, Old Forge and Kelly Price, Trucksville; great-nephew Nicholas Helbing and great-nieces Alexandria Helbing, Madison and Carly Seymour. The family would like to thank all of the doctors and medical personnel associated with her care including PACU at Geisinger Wyoming Valley, Community Medical Center, and Memorial Sloane Kettering. Family and friends are invited to attend Linda's funeral which will begin on Tuesday at 12:15 PM from the Semian Funeral Home, 704 Union St., Taylor followed by Divine Liturgy at 1:00 PM in St. Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic Church, 140 Church St. Old Forge by the Rev. Eduard Shestak, pastor. Friends may call Monday 5-8 pm at the funeral home, Parastas service will be at 7:30 PM In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Nicholas Church, 140 Church St., Old Forge, PA 18518; Penn State THON, 22D HUB University Park, PA 16802 or the Salvation Army, 500 S. Washington Ave., Scranton, PA 18505. Please visit www.semiancares.com to share memories or extend condolences.