From Miss Pennsylvania to Dementia Champion: Linda O’Boyle Zaneski’s Lifelong Mission

In this episode of Talk of Fame, Kylie Montigney chats with Linda O’Boyle Zaneski. Linda is a former Miss Pennsylvania who took home a community service and talent award at the Miss America Pageant in 1991. She was Mrs. Pennsylvania United States in 1996 and was a top 15 finalist in Las Vegas. She was Mrs. Pennsylvania International 2022 before retiring from the competitive pageant world. She has been a certified pageant judge, director, contestant and loved many years of being a pageant mom. She remains proud that she was the Pittston Tomato Festival Queen in 1988! Linda has been recognized for over 38 years of volunteer service with the Alzheimer’s Association and currently sits on the Governor’s State Task Force for Alzheimer’s. She is a certified Dementia Champion and a three time Walk Chairperson. She continues to serve on the NEPA Walk to End Alzheimer’s and fundraises for her team. Again, this year, she reached Grand Champion status by raising money from her annual Duck Derby and through sales of her latest children’s book- A Walk for GG Lou. Linda is also very active with Lions Clubs International- the largest service organization in the world. She has served in many positions at the club level, including Club President and Club Secretary. She served as the District 14-W (Luzerne County) District Governor in 2022- 2023 and is currently the State Council Chairperson for 2023-24. She has received several awards for her service including the International Presidential Medal for Leadership- the second highest award in International Lions. Professionally, Linda is employed by the US Dept of Veteran Affairs and is a National Program Manager for Facility Based Care in the office of Geriatrics and Extended Care. She earned her Doctorate in Nursing and two Masters degrees- one in Health Care Administration and one in Nursing. She has earned 3 certifications (gerontological nursing, case management and Certification as a Dementia Care Specialist) She also maintains an active nursing home administrator license. Linda is an adjunct professor at Wilkes University in the School of Nursing. Linda resides in Edwardsville with her husband Stan. They have 2 children, Rebecca, who earned her Masters in Organizational Management in Healthcare from Misericordia University in 2020; and Stanley, who earned his Master’s Degree in Business Management from Ithaca College in New York in 2022.Listen in as we discuss Linda’s Mrs. Pennsylvania journey. You’ll be inspired by her dedication to inspiring others through her experience as Mrs. Pennsylvania and her work with Alzheimer’s. Follow Me:Instagram:@Officialkyliemontigney@TalkoffamepodFacebook:OfficialkyliemontigneyTalkoffameTwitter:@Kyliemontigney4About Me:Hi, I’m Kylie! I’m passionate about sports, spending time with family, traveling, and connecting with people who inspire me. I love listening to people’s stories and sharing their journeys with the world!