Linda Stevens

OLEAN — Linda Stevens (formerly Hollowell), 81, of Olean, passed peacefully. Family and friends held a bedside vigil, filling the room with stories, gratitude and peace.

Linda was born in Olean on Aug. 1, 1944, to Richard and Elaine Campbell Stevens.

She was predeceased by her sisters, Jackie and Kay; and is survived by her sister, Barbara (Dick) Seeley; her daughters, Christine Taylor and Diane (Paul) Kronmeyer; her youngest daughter, Evelyn (Scott) Welka; her grandchildren, Ryan, Tori (Brad), Mason and Simon; and her former stepchildren, Karen, David, Johnny and Lori.

As a teenager working in a local music shop, Linda’s rare talent caught the attention of a well-known drummer with New York City connections, who sought to open doors for her. At a time when most girls were expected to merely strum, Linda made her guitar sing the blues. Though her self-confidence had not yet fully developed, she quietly set the opportunity aside, keeping music as a cherished part of her personal life.

Linda’s early adult life was shaped by complex challenges and deeply difficult decisions. During her marriage to Bruce Hollowell, she faced circumstances that required profound courage and sacrifice. With love and hope for their futures, she made the selfless decision to place her first two daughters, Christine and Diane, for adoption, believing it would provide them with greater opportunity. Years later, when fate reunited her daughters through 23andMe, Linda wholeheartedly encouraged their renewed bond, hosting annual girls’ getaway vacations that created space for healing, laughter and reconnection.

Divorce marked a defining turning point in Linda’s life — her personal Declaration of Independence. As a single mother raising her youngest daughter, Evelyn, at a time when women were often denied store credit, car loans and financial autonomy, Linda refused to let societal limits define her path. She enrolled in night classes for electrical work, HVAC and carpentry, rising from a part-time custodian to head of buildings and grounds in a male-dominated field.

Linda treasured time with her grandchildren — seen walking across town with them in a stroller, playing video games, staging Nerf battles, caring for them before and after school, customizing cars and creating lasting memories through family vacations.

Fiercely resilient, resourceful, hardworking, cool, and nonjudgmental, Linda was always the champion of the underdog.

Lung cancer discovered late and progressed too quickly for intervention.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no formal service. Instead, the family will reestablish Linda’s annual spaghetti dinner in her honor — a cherished tradition that embodied her love of family, togetherness, and connection. To be held at 4 p.m. this coming Saturday (Jan. 31, 2026) at Evelyn’s home.