Linda Lee Cegelski

Linda Rowe Cegelski, 58, of Huntersville, N.C., loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend, died peacefully Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in her home with her husband by her side. 

A cliff-jumping, prank-pulling, always-praying, beautiful soul, Linda was small in stature. But she was the fighter most people only wish they would be whenever she faced the darkness of this world. She brought light and God’s love into every room and relationship and was intentional in living. 

Linda was born in Rochester, N.Y., on March 9, 1966, to the late John Thomas Rowe, Sr., and Rosemary (Coyer) Rowe. 

She graduated from Wheatland-Chili High School, where she was elected to both Class President and Class Clown. She then earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication Applications from the State University of New York-Brockport before heading south to earn her master’s in Instructional Sciences at Florida State University.

On July 2, 1995, she married Christopher Cegelski, whose heart for God earned her eternal love. Their two sons, Elijah and Joshua, were her pride and joy, and she cherished every minute with her family. 

Those who worked with Linda over the years at Eastman Kodak, Coca-Cola, General Electric, Ingersoll Rand, and Campus Crest would remember her as a cheerful, smart worker who always looked to encourage others. 

Linda's compassion and spark benefited family, friends, strangers, and many dogs. She chatted up store cashiers and used her many talents to create beautiful art, writings, and a welcoming home for small groups during her fellowship at Christ Community Church and Elevation Church in Huntersville. Linda extended grace to those her life touched, and she joyfully claimed the second and third chances God gave her to savor life. 

Along with her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her brothers, John Thomas Rowe Jr. (Debra Rowe) and James Edward Rowe (Karen Rowe). 

In addition to her husband and sons, she is survived by her brother Robert George Rowe (Kim Rowe) and beloved sister Laura (Rowe) Oliveri (Christopher Oliveri), as well as many adored nieces and nephews. 

A celebration of Linda’s life will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home in Huntersville, and will be casual dress. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; the service is from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Raymer-Kepner is at 16901 Old Statesville Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078 (704) 892-9669

Donations in memory of Linda can be made to The Hope House Foundation at https://hopehousefoundation.org/.