Linda Pearce Kabelac

Linda Pearce Kabelac, 78, died on May 29, 2025 at her home in Ithaca, NY due to complications from Parkinson’s disease.

Linda was born in Auburn, NY on April 20, 1947, the daughter of Lester and Margaret (James) Pearce. She grew up on her parents’ dairy farm in Scipio Center, NY (Cayuga County) where she raised beef cattle and other farm animals. She was an active member of 4-H and was a Cayuga County Dairy Princess. While attending the former Sherwood Central School, she was a band member and was head majorette. She graduated as a member of the first class of Southern Cayuga Central School in 1965. After graduating from SUNY Morrisville in 1967 with an associate’s degree, Linda attended Cornell University where she earned a B.S. degree in 1969.

Linda married Edward Lyon Kabelac on June 14, 1969. Together they raised their son, Nathan, and their daughter, Karen. She was a member of the Lansing United Methodist Church for over 45 years.

Linda was employed for over 45 years by Cornell University. For 40 of those years, she was a Development Officer which led to her interest in traveling to the Midwest, Florida, Mid-Atlantic and New England states as part of her job. Over and above her job, she had the honor of driving University President Emeriti Dale Corson and Frank H.T. Rhodes to numerous Cornell campus events for several years after they had each retired.

Her interests outside of work were numerous. She had a talent for floral design and arranging, and exhibited artistic floral designs at the NYS Fair over 40 consecutive years. An avid gardener, she was a life member of the Ithaca Garden Club and was club president from 1983-1985. For many years, Linda was an accredited flower show judge with the Federated Garden Clubs of New York State. When her children were young, in the 1980s, she was Cornell Figure Skating Club president and also enjoyed taking dance lessons for many years. Over a span of 30 years, she bred and raised purebred Korat cats. Linda was one of four Korat breeders east of the Mississippi and placed over 100 Korat kittens. Linda and husband Ed had a shared interest in classic cars and participated in local car shows. Their first classic car, a 1930 LaSalle (built by Cadillac) was followed by a 1949 Jaguar and a 1937 Packard. She and Ed collected American Brilliant cut glass for over two decades and were members of the American Cut Glass Association. They co-chaired the National Convention in Corning, NY in 2017. She also enjoyed spending time at the family cottage on Cayuga Lake near Aurora and having picnics when their children were young. Together, she and Ed spent the last five winters as snowbirds in Florida.

In addition to her parents, Linda was predeceased by her uncle and aunt, George and Bea James. She is survived by her husband of over 55 years, Edward; son Nathan of Etna, NY; daughter Karen of Brewster, NY; nieces Julie Kabelac and Lori Kabelac (Michael Dalrymple) of Aurora, NY; grandniece Lily Dalrymple; brothers-in-law Kurt Kabelac of Ithaca, NY and Ken (Linda) Kabelac of Aurora, NY; and cousin Jean Pearce (Jake) Schmitz of Auburn, NY.

Calling hours will be from 5-7PM on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at Perkins Funeral Home, 55 West Main St, Dryden, NY 13053. A service will be held at 11AM on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at Perkins Funeral Home. Private interment in Oak Glen Cemetery, Aurora, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Hospicare & Palliative Care Services, 172 East King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 in memory of Linda Pearce Kabelac. Online condolences at www.perkinsfh.com.