Linda Diane (Smuro) McDowell

Linda Diane (Smuro) McDowell, age 74, of Mechanicsburg, died on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Linda was born on Monday, February 12, 1951, in Johnstown to the late Margaret (Mowery) Lucas.

Linda’s survivors include her husband of 30 years, Barry Lynn McDowell; her two children: Tony Smuro of Johnstown, Melissa Hawkins and her husband Michael of Carlisle; her step-father: Robert P. Lucas; her granddaughter: Brittney Hawkins of Carlisle; her great-grandchild: Laughlin of Carlisle; her six siblings: Cloyd Wirick of Johnstown, Dwight “Bean” Wirick of Carlisle, Brenda Laughrey of Myrtle Beach, SC, Helen Cuervo and her husband Ray of Alexandra, VA, Margaret Rodak and her husband Mark of Camp Hill, Bobbie Sue Kuntz of Johnstown; and several nieces and nephews.

Linda graduated from Richland High School as part of the class of 1969 and from Harrisburg Area Community College in 1995. She owned her own beauty shop and retired from Keystone Railway, after many years of service working as an architect technologist. Linda frequently relaxed by building jigsaw puzzles online. When she wanted a thrill, she enjoyed spending time at the casino. Linda was a collector of antique jewelry, which she rarely wore but instead gifted to others. She treasured her family and made sure she made time for them.  Linda picked up fly fishing from her husband, Barry, and the two of them could often be found exploring the Yellow Breeches together. Linda will be dearly missed by those who were fortunate enough to have known her.

Linda’s family will be remembering her life privately. Interment in will be at the family’s convenience. Cremation was private.

Linda’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. View her memorial photograph, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.