Linda Lee Lamb Sutton

Linda Lee Sutton was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed her to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, she possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. She had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and she was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Linda always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Linda was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

Linda was born on November 1, 1947 at Columbia Hospital for Women in Washington DC. Her parents were Ida O. and William R. Lamb. Linda was raised in Washington DC and Arlington VA with one older sister Judy Lamb Wiwchar. Always able to express herself well, Linda possessed strong interpersonal skills. She was optimistic in her outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in her communication. Armed with a great wit, Linda was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

Linda was good with facts and had an excellent memory but school was not her favorite place to be. She graduated from Wakefield High School in 1965 and entered the work force.

Linda was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around her. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Linda’s strengths included being able to think on her feet. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Linda was able to motivate others in order to get a task completed. Linda could multi-task, allowing her to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in her work environment. She began her career in the medical field as the receptionist, secretary and medical assistant for Isadore Shulman, M.D. She worked for him for 15 years. From there she joined Peter Moskovitz, M.D. and James Graeter, M.D. as their office manager. Linda had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return. She was commonly referred to as “Mom” by both staff and patients alike. The office grew and eventually she groomed two more physicians, Craig Faulks and David Lutton for life at Washington Circle Orthopaedics. Linda's instinctive medical knowledge and ability to retain what she learned from the doctors along with her caring and compassioniate nature made her invaluable to the practice. Linda was often referred to as "Doc Sutton". The doctors were forever grateful for her ability to calm their most anxious patients. Sometimes all it took was her smile. Linda managed the practice for 33 years before her retirement.

Friends and acquaintances found Linda an easy woman to get to know, and those close to her would often praise her open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Linda was uncomplicated and straightforward in her relationships, which allowed her to accept people for what they were. Linda made friends everywhere she went be it the bowling alley, shooting range or the ball field. She was loved everywhere she went.

Very much like a kid herself, Linda identified with the inquisitive and creative side of her children’s personalities. She was able to direct her energy and spontaneity towards encouraging and supporting her children in sports and other interests while helping them acquire added common sense skills and a strong work ethic. Linda was blessed with two daughters, Valerie and Stephanie, step-sons Daniel and Timothy and six grandchildren, Jessica, AJ, Logan, Leah, Robbie and Tyler.

Linda enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. She enjoyed bowling with friends and family. She even bowled competitively from time to time. She enjoyed learning to shoot and participating in a shooting league. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family. She loved watching her grandchildren play sports, baseball, softball, bowling and tae kwon do.

Linda was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite teams whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were the Washington Redskins, the Senators and later the Washington Nationals. She was a lifelong Redskin fan and even though they have had a rough time of it she never gave up home that one day they would return to their glory days. She had been enjoying the recent success of the Nationals and rarely missed a game.

Travel and vacations were experiences that Linda truly enjoyed. Favorite vacations included anytime spent with family. Vacations with her parents and children were always full of hilarious memories. Once her children were grown she enjoyed adventurous vacations with her love, Jack. They traveled to several National Parks and amusement parks, usually camping along the way.

Linda retired in 2015. Although she was not as active as she had hoped she still managed to spend time with family and friends.

Linda passed away on May 30, 2017 at her daughters’ home in Manassas. Linda fought for many years with COPD and other breathing disorders but ultimately it was a very brief yet brave battle against colon cancer that got the best of her. She is survived by her love of 25 plus years Jack McKinney, children Valerie, her spouse Jose and grandchildren Jessica and AJ; Stephanie, her fiancé Brian and grandchildren Tyler and Robbie. Step-sons Daniel, his wife Erin and grandchildren Logan and Leah; step-son Timothy; sister Judy and niece Cathy; nephews Michael and Christopher; and several great-nieces and nephews. Services were held at National Memorial Cemetery. Linda was laid to rest with her parents in National Memorial Cemetery.

Linda was the kind of person who could win others over easily. She was always able to provide amusing repartee to her friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. Linda’s favorite song was “You Are My Sunshine.” She enjoyed her life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Linda Lee Sutton.