Name: National Funeral Home & Memorial Park
Address: Falls Church, VA

I am two years late. I went to email her today and wondered why she wasn't keeping in touch with me. Her emailed bounced back. I emailed John his bounced back. I called Nora her phone wasn't working. How could I have missed this. How. Jesus I think about her so often and just thought that  her and John were in another state park. She waited her whole life to retire. We spent hours and hours contemplating the perfect time. I loved that woman. I adored everything about her decency and kindness. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for being you. Jay cutler loved you and so did I. What else did you need with a bunch of crazy DGR folks?  Xoxo. Not the same. 

I worked with Linda in the 90s at APA. She just always kept things going in our department. She was organized, smart, thoughtful, strategic... and she did it all with flare. She was a big sister and mentor to us all... simply a beautiful, kind and loving presence. I am shocked and so sad that she is gone from us...

I worked with Linda in the late 80's at APA (seems like yesterday).  Luckily, I had occasion to see her over the years.  Since I knew her pre-John, her nephews were her loves then.  Linda was organized, sweet, intelligent and delightful.  Whenever I saw Linda, she made me smile.  Occasionally, I have inadvertently sent emails to Linda meant for another Linda.  It always made me happy as I could connect with Linda and chat with her.  She will be missed.
Ellen Smith

Linda was my first boss and truly shaped me from day one by teaching me how to pay meticulous attention to detail, to always anticipate and prepare for what was coming, and to be just plain “prissy.” I keep her lessons close, and thank her so much for setting me on a great path. She was a wonderful teacher, and an even better friend.
Always proud to be part of her Team DGR. She will be greatly missed.

Many thanks to the family for the photo gallery which shows a life well lived and loved.  I worked with Linda at the APA although not closely but I always admired her spirit so much.  She faced her challenges with strength and dignity and was certainly inspirational.  I am particularly saddened that she was not able to have the kind of retirement she would have enjoyed.........and many years longer to be with those who love her.

Jennie, Dylan, and I were shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Linda's passing.  I had the great good fortune to work with Linda for some 23 years.  She was the first to welcome me to APA and helped me -- and so many others -- navigate the organization.  Linda was always ready with a kind word, a sympathetic ear, and a delightful sense of the absurd.  She was fiercely loyal to her friends and we shared many a laugh and the occasional tear over the years.  Our hearts are filled with sadness at her passing, and with joy for having known her.  Our love and prayers to John Clark and the Edwards family.

I will remember Linda for her guidance, encouragement, and good humor.  She mentored me at APA and always had thoughtful advice not only about work, but also about life. I will treasure the memories of attending many meetings together and going to lunch with her and Lori.  Words cannot express how much I will miss her.  My thoughts and prayers to John and their family.

I am so sad that my good friend Linda has left us far too early, and did not live long enough to be able to finally take care of herself, as she did so many others in her life. My sincere condolences to her family, and to the many many friends she made throughout her life -- most particularly her lifelong friend Joni... At least she is with Nora now (another lifetime friend who passed away last year). Last but not least, my heartfelt condolences to her beloved John. You came along when she least expected it, and you were perfect for each other.

I too am a former APA colleague, and worked with Linda in the DGR. While I was only there for about 3 years, Linda and I became close friends. Having recently moved to DC back then, I had few people I considered true friends. Linda was at the top of the list, and we shared many laughs, tears and good times together. I left the area to return to California in 1992, got engaged in 1997, and asked Linda to be a bridesmaid. I am happy that she said yes, and will treasure the pictures of her from that happy event in my life.

I could go on, but suffice it to say that Linda was special, and she will be sorely missed.

My sincere sympathy to Linda's family and loved ones.  Linda was a very kind, giving and gentle spirit. If you were her friend, you were a friend for life. I didn't realize at the time how truly fortunate I was to have Linda cross my path at a time of my life when I most needed it.  I was so lucky to have Linda and her closest friends to look up to as role models of really great women. When I think of Linda I will picture her smiling and saying, "we raised you.”  Linda was always positive and a genuine friend- you knew that her opinion came from the heart.  I think that if everyone that was affected by her friendship and warm spirit did the same for someone else, the world would definitely be a better place. Linda will be deeply missed by all.

For 15 years, I had the pleasure and honor of working with "Lindy" at the APA.  She was a trusted colleague and a great friend.  We kept in touch over the years since I left the APA, and we talked often about having a chat over a cup of tea, which harkened back to her time living in the UK. My deepest sympathies go to John, and all of her family members.  She will be sorely missed.  I am grateful to have had the opportunity to have known her.

John  and Edwards family,

I am very sorry for the loss of Linda. She was a very caring and accomplished person and I know she will be greatly missed.

Mark Carissimi

Our condolences go out to Linda's family. Her services to the Ethics Committee at the APA were invaluable. We will be forever indebted to her for her kindness and caring. 
Steve (Glenview,IL)

My condolences to her family especially her nephews and John. Linda was loved by all at the APA and now is in heaven watching over us. I will miss her terribly and I pray God is holding her and saying "you will walk with then again>"

Linda was one-in-a million - and it was a priviledge knowing her.  She was concerned that she wouldn't know what to do when she retired.  I reassurred her many times that there was indeed "life after the APA."  And John - you were the love of her life. Know that her love and caring will be with you and her family always.

My heart goes out to the Edwards family.  Remember LInda for all the good she gave to immediate family as well as friends and nephews. God Bless.

Terry K

Earth lost an angel.  Linda was one of the kindest people I have ever met.  She put others first and was always concerned about other people.  Working with her was a dream.  Things magically got done with a smile and great cheer.  I will miss her.  My sincerest sympathy to her family and friends.
Colleen Coyle, Falls Church, VA

Linda made valuable contributions to the APA members, including myself. My condolences to her family and friends

My deepest sympathy to Linda's family. She was my supervisor for 11 years and mentor until she retired from APA a few months ago.   Linda was one of the most caring and loving people I know.  We shared many meetings together using note cards on the floor of the office or where ever the meeting was held, and family stories. Oh how she adored her family and talked about her nephews with a smile on her face. I will miss her dedication, love and support.
Always remembered fondly.
Marilyn

Linda was an incredible person who excelled in every endeavor. I worked with her at the APA and will always cherish her memory and the wonderful guidance and support that she gave me.

It saddens me that a co-worker and friend has transitioned on. Linda was a very kind and delightful person. I'm glad to have known you for the past 15 years. My prayers of comfort to the family during this difficult time.

Linda was a dedicated and caring person who was a pleasure to work with at APA. We will all miss her very much.

Love and sympathy to Linda's family and John and his family.  Our family adored Linda Dinda and will miss her.  She was a role model and a delight, a great sense of humor and a treat to be with.  She had class and style, a great entertainer and a good friend. She was a leader at the office and did it with grace.  She will always be in our hearts.

Warm thoughts and prayers to the family of Linda. For many years,  I was a former Executive Secretary for the South Dakota District Branch of the American Psychiatric Association. in Sioux Falls, SD.  I retired in 2001.  While I never had the opportunity to meet Linda up close and personal, I became very good friends with her via telephone.  She was always very helpful and friendly.  God bless her family.

To Linda's loved ones, 

My deepest sympathy to all of you.  Linda was one of the most kind and generous souls I've had the pleasure to know and work with for 30 years.  We worked side by side for many years at the APA's Convocation.  It was always so hectic and stressful getting everyone where they needed to be on time, and there were many tears (mostly mine) and laughs each time.  Linda supported me and helped me through many difficult Convocations and once everyone was in place, we would sigh a big sigh of relieve and then laugh and hug.  She was always there for me whenever I needed her.  We laughed as we aged that our eyesight wasn't so great and that we could no longer read the 12 point type on the invitation list.  Linda said we must use larger type so us old gals could see it in the dimly lit room, and to this day, the list is in 16 pt type! She was such a dear friend, and not just someone I worked with.  We shared a common love of Solomons, MD and St. Marys County too.  She deeply cared for people and was always concered about others and not herself.  As her health had declined these past few years, I would often see her struggle to just get around, yet she was still cheerful and would laugh about her problems.  We would laugh about the horrors that happen to us as we age, and would fondly recall "the good old days." She was so dedicated to the APA, that even on those difficult days, she would still come in and do her job. I told her on her last day at APA how happy I was for her to be able to retire and focus on herself and John and enjoy her life away from the stresses of work.  We talked about how important it was to have those "golden years" after retiring.  It's devasting that she never got those years, which she so deserved.  I will always miss her and there will not be a Convocation where I won't think of her fondly.  I know she will be there with me, looking over my shoulder and keeping me calm. 

To John, I can't imagine your loss.  Linda cared so deeply for you.  She was always concerned for you much more than herself.  She spoke so highly of you and whenever you were able to travel with her, she was always concerned that you would have a good time while she worked.  What a treasure, and how lucky you were to have had her in your life for so long,

Please accept my apologies that I will be unable to attend the service on Saturday as I am out of town.  

My heartfelt sympathy.  God bless all of you.  I know your wonderful memories will keep Linda alive in your hearts forever.

I'm saddened by Linda's passing, but am so glad and grateful that I knew her.  She was a lovely person and a wonderful co-worker.  My thoughts and prayers are with you, her loved ones.

OBITUARY

Linda Sharon Hughes

April 16, 1947 – August 30, 2014

National Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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