Linda Colombara-Buffo, 1960-2024, Was Long-time Administrative Staff Member

Linda Colombara-Buffo, 63, of Troy, Ill., died on Tuesday, March 19 in Maryville, Ill. She was born September 22, 1960 in East St. Louis, Ill., the daughter of Joan (nee Jokerst) Colombara and Joseph Colombara of Troy, Ill. She was a loving companion to her husband, Robert "Bob" Buffo, for more than 20 years.

Linda was a long-time staff member of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She enjoyed taking walks with friends on lunch breaks. She held administrative roles in the Early Childhood Center, University Housing, the Morris University Center Administration Office, the Provost Office, Admissions and Equal Opportunity, Access and Title IX Coordination.

Linda retired from SIUE in 2022, and is remembered by her colleagues as a great person and friend.

Visitation will be from 3-5 p.m., Sunday, March 24 at Richeson Funeral Home in Troy, Ill. and Monday, March 25 from 9:30-10 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Collinsville, Ill. Funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

Linda was preceded in death by her mother, Joan (nee Jokerst) Colombara, and her step mother, Eleanor (Mikalouski) Colombara.

She is survived by her husband Robert "Bob" Buffo of Troy, Ill, her son Brian Wallheimer of Rockford, Ill; her grandchildren, Eleanor, Katherine and Charles Wallheimer; her father, Joseph Colombara of Troy, IL; and her brothers, Thomas (Cindy) Colombara of Troy, Ill and Gary (Mary) Colombara of Tampa, Fl.

Memorials are suggested to the Siteman Cancer Center Breast Cancer Research Department, 4921 Parkview Place, St. Louis, MO 63110.

Linda's arrangements are in the care of Richeson Funeral Home.