Linda Ann Hoover
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Published in August 2026
Linda Ann (Dill) Hoover, a treasured wife, mom, sister, friend and educator, passed away on Aug. 6, 2026 at home in Ambler, PA, with her loving husband, Dave, at her side. Her passing followed a courageous and dignified battle with ALS.
Born Sept. 18, 1952, in Windber, PA, Linda was the beloved daughter of the late Eva (DiGiulio) and James Dill. She was also preceded in death by her cherished son Zachary Topper.
Linda is survived by her devoted husband of 46 years, Dave; her son David Ryan Hoover, and his wife, Lauren; and her two beautiful grandchildren, Landon, 9, and Brynley, 6. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Allison Kleinfelter, as well as her four younger siblings, for whom she was a lifelong advisor, mentor, and friend: James A. Jr. and Ginny Dill, Etters, Pa.; Sandra and Kelly Brown, Seven Valleys, Pa.; Kathy and Jack Hassett, Pittsburgh, Pa.; and Rose and Todd Glenn, Northville, Mich.
Strong, generous and effortlessly magnetic, Linda built a vibrant community of deeply loyal friends in both Mechanicsburg and Ambler. Her life was defined by love for her family and a profound dedication to education. After serving as a treasured public school English teacher for more than a decade, Linda returned to her alma mater, Shippensburg University, to earn her master’s degree in 1980. She later earned a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction + Supervision from Penn State University. Linda went on to inspire the next generation of educators as a professor of teacher education at Shippensburg until her retirement in 2010. The true measure of her career success lives on in the countless letters she received from former students thanking her for her life-changing impact. She also co-authored the textbook Teacher Supervision and Evaluation (2004), which continues to be used in universities today.
When her son Zack passed away from a brain tumor in 2006, Linda poured her grief into purpose. Alongside her husband Dave, she established the Zachary J. Topper Memorial College of Business Scholarship at Shippensburg University, remaining actively involved in fundraising for many years. She also championed Zack’s enduring legacies, including his inspirational book, Take Life One Day at a Time, and Sunset Park in Derry Township, which was established in his memory by his wife, Allison.
At home, Linda took great joy in being a grandma, inviting Landon and Brynley for overnight stays and attending their sporting events and dance recitals. She was a masterful cook and an exceptional host who knew exactly how to make every guest feel warm and welcome. A true fitness buff, she took pride in staying in better shape than her younger siblings. She and Dave shared a deep love for adventure, traveling the world together to incredible destinations like Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, and Australia.
Linda will be missed beyond measure by all who knew and loved her. Though her absence leaves a profound void, her family finds comfort in the final words of Zack’s book—a message Linda would surely want to leave with us today: “Turn the page…It’s not the end, but a new beginning.”
Donations are being accepted in lieu of flowers to: Compassionate Care ALS, PO Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574.