A longtime Tamaqua community leader, volunteer and businesswoman is remembered for her dedication to the borough, her family and her friends.

Linda Yulanavage, 76, former Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce executive director and Tamaqua Main Street Manager, passed away March 23 following a battle with cancer.

“Tamaqua would not be what it is today without Linda. She was really a big believer in our community,” said Micah Gursky, a longtime Tamaqua volunteer and executive director of the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership.

Gursky said he worked with Linda from the time he started community work in Tamaqua in the 1990s.

“She was always there as a positive leader and advocate for the community,” Gursky said.

Yulanavage was a founding member of the Tamaqua SOS (Save Our Station), which spared the historic Tamaqua Train Station from the wrecking ball, and the Tamaqua Beautification Association. She was named Citizen of the Year by the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce in 1990 and served on Tamaqua Borough Council.

“I always had tremendous respect for her because she was on council and a woman councilperson. I loved serving on council with her,” Gursky said.

He also recalled working with Yulanavage to launch the Tamaqua Main Street Program in the mid-1990s.

“I remember working with her to build Depot Square Park, which of course later, she used to visit each year dressed as Mrs. Claus” for Tamaqua Christmas parades and Spirit of Christmas festivals, Gursky said. “Also this was in addition to running a business and being a great mother.”

Gursky noted that he was one of Yulanavage’s neighbors and grew up playing baseball with her son, Eric.

“So I am going to miss her for a lot of reasons,” Gursky said. “She was just a tireless advocate for Tamaqua. She got involved at a level you don’t see anymore.”

Aimee Dotson, executive director of the Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber is morning Yulanavage’s passing.

“Linda’s unwavering dedication to the growth and prosperity of Tamaqua leaves a lasting legacy that will never be forgotten. Her tireless work to support local businesses, foster community connections, and enhance the vibrancy of our town set a high standard for all who followed in her footsteps,” Dotson said on behalf of the Chamber.

In addition, Dotson noted that Yulanavage brought joy to the community when she dressed as Mrs. Claus during the holiday season to create cherished memories for families and children.

“She also nurtured her entrepreneurial spirit with Sweet Treats Bakery, where she shared her love of baking and built lasting relationships with her customers,” Dotson said. “Linda’s commitment, passion and warmth touched the lives of so many, and she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of working with her. The shoes she left to fill are big ones, and while we carry on her work, we do so with the knowledge that her influence will always be a guiding light for the future of Tamaqua. Rest in peace, Linda. You will always be remembered, and your contributions to our community will never be forgotten.”

Longtime volunteer Linda Heigele met Yulanavage soon after Yulanavage moved to Tamaqua from Allentown.

“We were members on the Tamaqua Beautification Committee, Tamaqua SOS and Downtown Tamaqua Board,” Heigele said. “I also worked for Linda for a few years when she had her store, Sweet Treats, on Broad Street.”

Yulanavage would continue with Sweet Treats and Candies, making her baked goods available at local stores and for special occasions until last year.

“We had some good times together and worked well together,” Heigele said. “Linda was very family-orientated and will be a great loss to her family and friends.”

Dale Freudenberger, president of the Tamaqua Historical Society, said Yulanavage volunteered with many organizations, including the society.

“Linda was a talented and fun person to be around. Many of us who spent a lot of time with Linda and knew her very well, became lifelong friends,” he said. “We have fond memories of our time together and all that we accomplished together with Linda, through numerous organizations and projects in Tamaqua. Linda certainly left her mark on Tamaqua.”

Freudenberger said Yulanavage will always be loved and missed.

“(She) was one of a kind,” he said.

Judy Hoppes, who heads the Tamaqua Spirit of Christmas Committee, remembered how Yulanavage looked forward to donning a wig and outfit to play Mrs. Claus each year.

“When her grandsons were younger, they would come to see Santa and Mrs. Claus and they didn’t know it was her. She used to tell me, ‘The boys were here and they didn’t know it was me,’” Hoppes said. “She was just the best Mrs. Claus.

“She did so much for the us. She was a very important part of the Spirit of Christmas committee. I could count on her to do whatever was needed. She was a great friend. She did so much for the community. She will be missed,” Hoppes continued.

Yulanavage also held memberships with the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership, the former Tamaqua Rotary Club and Tamaqua Business Association. She was recognized by the Pennsylvania Business & Professional Women in 1991 for her leadership role in government.

Funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. today from the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home, 655 E. Broad St., Tamaqua. Calling hours are from 5-7 p.m.