Obituary of Anita K. Linker

Anita K. Linker, 87, of State College, died on January 28, 2023, at Juniper Village in State College.

Born July 22, 1935, in New York City, she was the daughter of the late Claire Harris Kaplan and Edward E. Kaplan, MD. She married Ronald W. Linker on June 16, 1968, at The Spanish Jewish Congregation. He preceded her in death on March 20, 2015.

She is survived by two nieces, Nancy-Ellen Zusman (Bob Lee) of Skokie, Illinois and Karen J. Zusman of Brooklyn, New York, and a nephew, Peter M. Zusman of New York, New York. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Lynne Rose Kaplan Zusman.

She graduated from Hunter College High School in 1953 and received her Bachelors of Arts Degree from Bryn Mawr College in Teaching in 1957. She continued her scholastic career and received two master degrees, one from Yale University for Teaching and one from Columbia University for British History in 1958 and 1968 respectively. She received her doctorate from the Pennsylvania State University in Art History in 1982.

Anita was a person with a thirst for knowledge and learning. A woman of sunny radiance and bright attitude that all who came in contact with her were blessed to experience. She always found the silver lining in every situation, particularly if it involved meeting new people from any and all walks of life. She was a devoted wife to Ronald W. Linker and their life together was one of great joy filled with books, travel, history and art. During their married life, she became Ron's helpmate, and then the primary caregiver to her father and Ron's mother. Together they also raised bulldogs, which they loved dearly.

Her relationship with her nieces and nephew held a special place in her heart which she felt was a gift from her beloved sister Lynne. Her nieces and nephew felt the same way and she will be dearly missed. A bright happening that occurred just a few months before she departed was the birth of her grandniece, Arla Rose to her nephew, Peter. She also is survived by her grandniece Madeline Lee and her grandnephew Jacob Lee.

A graveside burial service was held on Friday, February 3, 2023 at Centre County Memorial Park, with the Rabbi David Ostrich officiating. A memorial service will be held in the spring at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Juniper Village Employee Fund, c/o The Business Office, 1950 Cliffside Drive, State College, PA 16801 or to the Center for Jewish History, 15 West 16th Street, New York, NY, 10011.

Online condolences may be made at www.kochfuneralhome.com.