For 26 years, Linda Stillinger ensured the safety of Kreutz Creek Elementary School children crossing the street at the corner of West Market and North Lee streets in Hellam.

Now Linda, who passed away in 2021, has been honored with a bridge in her name in Emig Park, located along South Prospect Street in Hellam.

The borough contacted Linda's husband, Charles, about a year ago, telling him about plans to move and rebuild a bridge that crosses Kreutz Creek in the park. Borough staff wanted to name the bridge "Linda's Crosswalk."

About 75 people, including friends, family members and former students at Kreutz Creek Elementary, gathered in late August for a dedication of the bridge.

"My mom lived for this job," said Linda's daughter, Tina Sminkey. "She lived for the kids."

Linda served as a crossing guard on the same corner from 1995 to 2021. She had no plans to retire, even though her family was concerned about her health and safety.

"She was getting up in age, and we didn't like her being out in the middle of the street anymore," Tina recalled. "She didn't want to retire. She loved the job."

Then, in November of 2020, Linda fell on the job and broke her shoulder. She had to take the rest of the school year off, and she decided to retire in May of 2021. She had a stroke in June of that year and passed away soon after at the age of 73.

During her two decades as a crossing guard, Linda became well-known for her dedication to the job and her sense of whimsy.

"She liked to dress like the Easter Bunny and Santa," Tina shared. "She handed out candy canes and pencils at Christmas. My mom collected $2 bills, and sometimes, she'd give them to students on special occasions."

Still, she took her job seriously, making sure her students were safe. "Safety was very important to her," Tina said. "She took care of the kids."

Throughout her life, Linda was dedicated not only to her elementary school students but also to the greater Hellam community.

"She and my dad were very involved with Hellam Fire Company," Tina said. "She was very community oriented."

She loved the community, Tina noted, and the community loved her back. When the Stillingers' home was destroyed by fire in 2010 and the family lost everything, including their cars, the community pitched in by raising funds to rebuild and offering emotional support.

Along with the bridge, Tina and Charles placed a bench dedicated to Linda in the park. It features a photo of her with two of the children she cared for and offers a spot for people to sit and watch their kids play on the nearby playground.

At the Emig Park gathering, people shared stories of Linda, socialized and reminisced about a person who made a difference every day. The celebration included Linda's stepson, Lee Stillinger, and local dignitaries, including Hellam Mayor Sue Horner.

"She loved children and this community," Horner said. "She was kind, but stern, always making sure the children were safe. She was also known for saying, 'Love you, God bless,' to everyone. What a way for a child to start and end their day."