Michele Linder named executive director of Catholic Cemeteries in Diocese of Wilmington

WILMINGTON —The Diocese of Wilmington has appointed Michele L. Linder as the new Executive Director of Catholic Cemeteries, Inc., entrusting her with the leadership of burial operations at three major diocesan cemeteries across Delaware.

Linder, a Wilmington resident, will oversee Cathedral Cemetery on Lancaster Avenue in Wilmington, All Saints Cemetery on Kirkwood Highway between Wilmington and Newark, and Gate of Heaven Cemetery on Vines Creek Road in Dagsboro.

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She will also serve as a consultant to parish cemeteries in Delaware and on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

With a professional background that spans business management, customer and family services, and funeral planning, Linder brings a diverse set of skills to her new role.

She holds degrees from Davis and Elkins College in Business Management, Marketing, and Fashion Merchandising, and from Mercer County Community College in Mortuary Science.

Her career has included leadership positions in both retail and funeral services, including roles as a funeral director and planning director at local funeral homes. She previously worked with Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese of Wilmington as a family services counselor.

“It is a privilege to serve as Executive Director of Catholic Cemeteries and to build upon and continue the ministry of serving our families,” Linder said. “With my experience in cemetery and funeral service, I hope to foster a strong collaborative environment within our ministry, as well as our partners in the funeral service industry. Together we will respectfully serve our families, build trusting relationships, generate and preserve open communication, and streamline processes.”

Catholic Cemeteries, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that manages burial services and facilities for the Diocese.

In keeping with Catholic teaching and ecumenical norms, its cemeteries are open not only to Catholics but also to Christians from denominations without their own comparable burial sites.