Linda L. Siska Bryant (née Connelly)

June 23, 1947 – May 12, 2025

Linda L. Siska Bryant, 77, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Cincinnati on June 23, 1947, Linda brought laughter, resilience, and a larger-than-life spirit to everyone lucky enough to know her.  A proud Cincinnatian through and through, Linda adored the Bengals (especially Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase), Elvis Presley, classic oldies, and sunny days by the pool. She was famous among family and friends for her homemade French fries and potato salad — and for her ability to make each of her kids feel like her favorite with a hot plate fresh from the kitchen.  Linda lived a life defined by strength and fierce love. She weathered immense hardships and courageously built a better life for her three children as a single mother. Her joy, however, was infectious — a natural storyteller with a quick wit and sharp sense of humor, Linda made everyone feel welcome with her laugh and her sass.

She found joy in the simple pleasures: weekend camping trips at Brookville Lake Resort, marathon euchre games, summer pool parties with grilled food and music, and of course, Christmas cookie baking. One of her favorite traditions was baking hundreds of cookies each year to bring to Cincinnati Children's Hospital, where her daughter's team hosted a holiday cookie decorating event for staff and families — a tradition she looked forward to all year long.  Linda had a lifelong love of roller skating and was an avid speed skater in her younger years, winning countless races and making lifelong friends along the way. Her skating crew remained close for decades, gathering each year for big reunion parties filled with laughter, music, and memories. She especially loved dressing up for the occasion in her poodle skirt and saddle loafers, reliving those joyful days on the rink.

She had a deep love for little ones — and especially cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She lit up around them, always ready to spoil them with perfect presents, Easter baskets, and St. Nick stockings. They brought a smile to her face and joy to her heart, and she poured love into every detail of the moments they shared.

Linda was preceded in death by her beloved son Rick Siska; her parents, Olive Connelly Brockmeyer and Robert Connelly; her brother Gus Connelly; and many dear friends.

She is survived by her children, Melody Siska (Jana), Matthew Siska (Gina), and stepdaughter Kristi Collins (Keith); her grandchildren Cameron Siska, Olivia McGuire, Zachary Siska, Nick Siska, Josh Bazzoli, and Liz Bazzoli; her great-grandchildren Reese, Nataleigh, and Luca; her brothers Bobby Connelly and Dennis Connelly (Shobey); and her cherished pup, Chloe.

Her life was a masterclass in resilience, joy, and finding the strength to laugh — and love — no matter what.

A celebration of Linda's life will be held on Saturday, May 31st, 2025, at Walker Funeral Home (Gilbert Avenue location) in Cincinnati.

Visitation: 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Service: 3:00 – 4:00 PM

Repast/Celebration of Life: 4:00 – 6:00 PM

As Linda would have wanted, there will be food — because she always had a need to feed. Come ready to share stories, smiles, and memories as big and warm as she was.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages honoring Linda in a way she would've loved — by gathering with loved ones, sharing a laugh over a deck of cards, and enjoying a plate of homemade French fries or a batch of cookies made with love.

To share a memory of Linda or leave a special message for the Bryant family, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory  is caring for the Bryant family during this difficult time.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.