Linda Socha

(From Sisco Funeral Home)

Linda Michele (Fusco) Socha, 58, died May 18, 2024 at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville. She was born August 28, 1965 in Monterey, California to Arthur Salvatore Fusco and Patricia Ann (Burch) Fusco. 

Linda graduated from Owen D Young Central High School in Van Hornesville, New York. She was a stay at home mom and teacher, with a B.A. in Elementary/Early Secondary Education-English from the State University in New York at Oneonta. She was a member of New Life Fellowship Church in Pea Ridge, Arkansas.

She is survived by her husband, Tim Socha; five children, Sarah Sutton (Jesse) of Beatrice, NE, Ryan Socha of Fayetteville, AR., David Socha (Adalia) of Omaha, NE., Laura Fox (Daniel) of Webb City, MO., Maria Wilkerson (Alex) of Joplin, MO.; siblings, Rick Fusco of Fort Pierce, FL., Kathleen Jones (Rod) of Walton, New York, Mary Lou Cutter of Webster, NY., Leonard Fusco (Kathy) of Royal Oak MI., David
Fusco (Lisa) of Brighton, MI.; and four grandchildren (Charlese, Arthur, Elijah, Gracie). Linda’s family meant everything to her. After chemotherapy in her 20’s, doctors told us there was a zero percent chance of kids…and we ended up with five children!

It takes many facets to reflect all the light that emanates from this “crazy Italian”. Some of those include: Jesus lover, great cook (especially giant feasts!), 2nd grade teacher, crafter, gardener, thrift store aficionado, wine enthusiast, prayer warrior, and part-time counselor (yes with her kids, their friends, and her friends, but often with a stranger that she just met in Dollar General). Linda loved the Lord, but hated “religion” and openly modeled less-than-perfect behavior to draw in others (“it’s about Jesus, not me”). Love never fails!!!

We will miss the trail of glitter spray that followed her around the house, that loud “whoo hoo hoo” from the back of church during worship songs, the “Life” that she would continually speak into us all, and the “always-ready” word of advice (“no, no, don’t do that, you need to do this”).

Linda fiercely fought and beat cancer several times in her life (including numerous “6 months to live” predictions) so that she could see her kids’ weddings, new grandbabies, and beach vacations with a house full of family. And now, she is cancer-free again…this time forever, hallelujah! See you later Momma, we love you soo much!

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, May 27, 2024 at the First Baptist Church,1650 Slack St, Pea Ridge, AR, with Pastor Gary Ryals officiating. After the service, all are invited to a luncheon gathering at the Socha house, 209 Crawford St, Pea Ridge, AR 72751.

Linda felt very strongly about helping the orphans at Bethany Complex in Awendo, Kenya. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, checks may be made out to Tim Socha at 209 Crawford St, Pea Ridge, AR 72751 to be donated in her memory.

Online condolences may be made to siscofuneralhome.net