Obituary of Carolyn J. Linarello

Carolyn J. Linarello, 78, of East Coventry, PA, passed away on September 25, 2025.

Born on May 14, 1947, in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Marion (Kimble) Hardy. Carolyn was raised in the Clarks Summit area and graduated from Abington Heights High School in 1965. She went on to earn a degree in Music Education from West Chester University, setting the stage for a lifelong career in music.

After college, she settled in Norristown, where she spent most of her adult life. Carolyn dedicated 34 years to teaching music at Norristown School District, where she inspired generations of students with her passion, talent, and commitment to the transformative power of music. She was a longtime beloved soprano and music librarian with the Mendelssohn Choir of Philadelphia, further sharing her gift and joy of song. 

Outside the classroom and rehearsal hall, Carolyn was known for her remarkable creativity and hands-on skill. She was an avid gardener, attaining the status of Penn State Master Gardener, and her Norristown garden was often featured in public tours. She also was a highly accomplished seamstress, knitter, quilter, cook, and home renovator. After her retirement, she and her husband moved to East Coventry, to a home she designed and they had built, which was the embodiment of all of her lifelong passions, where she continued to nurture her many interests and her beautiful gardens. 

Carolyn will be remembered by all who knew her for her warmth, talent, and generosity of spirit. She is survived by her beloved husband, Bernard F. Linarello; her children, Lauren and Brendan; her siblings, Alan Hardy, Barbara Schilpp, and Stephen Hardy (Lindsey), and several nieces and a nephew. 

All are invited to her Celebration of Life Service on November 8, 2025 at 11 AM.  Friends are invited to greet the family prior to the service beginning at 9:30 AM at the R. Strunk Funeral Home, 400 Main Street, Phoenixville PA 19460. Arrangements are being handled by R. Strunk Funeral Home, 400 Main Street, Phoenixville, PA. Online condolences may be shared at www.rstrunkfuneralhome.com.