Linda's Story

Linda Captain Heath was born and raised in Newark, NJ, the third of 3 children born to William and Uola Captain.  She spent most of her adult life in Northern Virginia where she lived with her husband, John.  Linda was affectionately known by her family and many friends as LL (Lovely Linda).

As a person of artistic skill and talent, she attended and was a graduate of Arts High School Newark, NJ., where in addition to her artistic pursuits she was captain of the cheer leaders, and served as Treasurer of the Class of 1970. Linda was a lifetime patron of the arts including, theater, jazz (and other music genres), music and dance.  She was a Cum Laude graduate of Averett University, Danville, VA where she received a BA Degree in Business Administration.

Linda was proud of her role as a "Gibson Girl" during the campaign to elect Kenneth Gibson, Mayor of Newark in 1970.  The "Gibson Girls" were cheer leaders who performed at many public events during his successful campaign.

After finishing high school in 1970, Linda eventually migrated to the Washington, DC area, having accepted a job in the dental industry. This began a succession of viable positions in the world of business – from dentistry to tax preparer, to real estate management, and finally to contract management. Each career move was a stepping stone to more responsible positions that while challenging, were also rewarding. A key element for Linda professionally and in life was her ability to solve complex situations via abstract reasoning while keeping her sense of humor and remaining humble.

Linda was a longtime employee of Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), where she served in the capacity of Senior Contracts Representative. On numerous occasions during her SAIC tenure, she was recognized for her efficiency, productivity, and overall performance. Linda retired from SAIC in 2017, while looking forward to traveling and spending more time with family – especially her grandchildren. In addition to traveling and family, Linda also looked forward to having more time to pursue her hobbies that included photography, sketching, and drawing.

Linda was a Vibrant, Loving, and Giving wife (and fervent lifetime partner), grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to those who were fortunate enough to know her. Being even tempered, Linda was always ready with a hug and a big smile. She was a people person who endeavored to make any and every one in her circle feel good about themselves. She had a special talent for relating to children and in turn, they loved being with her.

She was truly family oriented and enjoyed planning and hosting family get togethers, especially on holidays and special occasions. During the Covid pandemic, she used her considerable computer skills to help her twin grandsons with their school work and often texted and made Zoom calls to connect all her grandchildren for online visits. She was also able to attend her oldest grandson, Cody's graduation from the police academy, even as she underwent treatment for her illness.

Linda, after a valiant and courageous fight against cancer succumbed to His will and departed this life Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at Loudoun INOVA Hospital.

Linda played an important role in many different lives and her absence will leave a void that only time can fill. Left to celebrate her legacy are: her loving husband, John; daughter Robin Holder (James); grandchildren Nicole, Cody, Cavin and Corey; sister Cordelia Addo; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, William.