Linda Colombara-Buffo, 63, of Troy, IL, born Thursday, September 22, 1960 in East St. Louis, IL and passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 in Maryville, IL.

Linda was a loving daughter, mother, sister, wife, aunt, grandmother and friend. A two-time breast cancer survivor, her determination and strength were an inspiration. Taking a class at a time while working at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and enduring chemotherapy, Linda earned her bachelor's degree in sociology.

A longtime employee of SIUE, serving in administrative roles before retiring in 2022, Linda made many friends and enjoyed getting out for walks with her friends on lunch breaks. That's when it wasn't butter chicken day at the university restaurant.

Linda visited her grandchildren every chance she got, and she couldn't get enough of their visits to her. She was the kind of grandma who rolled on the floor giggling with the kids, took part in their wonder and simply enjoyed the small things that came with three rambunctious grandchildren.

As a single mother, Linda modeled decency, love and support. Her example will live on through her son and grandchildren, whose lives are richer for the joy she brought and taught them.

As he aged, Linda helped care for her father, keeping up with his medications, taking him to lunch and calling every night to check in like clockwork.

She and her husband, Bob, were constant companions, taking joy in simple, quiet times side by side for more than 20 years.

Linda's life was cut far too short, but it was full of more love, kindness and devotion than most could dream of. Her heart was full, and ours are filled for having been in her presence.

She was preceded in death by her Mother, Joan (nee Jokerst) Colombara, and her step mother, Eleanor (Mikalouski) Colombara.

Surviving are her husband Robert "Bob" Buffo of Troy, IL, her son Brian Wallheimer of Rockford, IL; and her grandchildren, Eleanor, Katherine and Charles Wallheimer; her father, Joseph Colombara of Troy, IL; her brothers, Thomas (Cindy) Colombara of Troy, IL and Gary (Mary) Colombara of Tampa, FL.

Memorials may be made to Siteman Cancer Center, Breast Cancer Research Department, 4921 Parkview Place, St. Louis, MO  63110.  Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.Richesonfh.com

Visitation for Linda will be 3-5 pm on Sunday, March 24, at Richeson Funeral Home, Troy, IL and 9:30 to 10 am on Monday, March 25, 2024 at Saints. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Collinsville, IL.

Funeral mass will be held 10 am Monday, March 25, at St's. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Collinsville, IL with Fr. Michael Haag officiating and Interment will be in the Saints. Peter and Paul Cemetery.

RICHESON FUNERAL HOME, Tory, IL