Mary Linehan

Mary F. Linehan VIRGINIA BEACH - Mary F. Linehan, 85, died suddenly Oct. 7, 2008, after a long and fulfilled life. She was born in Atlanta and attended Agnes Scott College before moving to California. Everyone thought she would be a movie star. Instead, she became a professional model in commercial photographs and on department store runways. When she met a handsome young naval officer, Lt. Joe Linehan, the rest was history. Mary was a dedicated navy wife. She was active in officers' wives clubs, the Navy League, and Ship's Service to People, a volunteer organization helping people in the community. Most of their active duty years were spent in Norfolk, 1949-1969, after which she and Joe retired to Sandbridge. When Joe died in 2001, Mary moved to Westminster Canterbury where she continued her passions for family, service, travel, sports, and mah jong. She was grateful that she had many dear and longtime friends there to share these interests with. Mary was active in the Children's Theater of Norfolk, Norfolk Yacht and Country Club, and Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters. She was a lifelong insatiable reader. Earlier, she was an avid tennis player and skier, and always a sports fan who could tell you the odds on any ACC football or basketball team. She was a devoted Wahoo mom and grandmother, and was concerned, but ever optimistic, about those odds this season. Mary was predeceased by her parents, Carl C. and Estelle K. Haralson, and by her husband of 58 years, Capt. Joseph D. Linehan, U.S. Navy retired. She is survived by her son, Joseph D. Linehan, M.D. of McLean, Va.; daughter, Katherine L. Kitterman of Virginia Beach; grandson, Sid Kitterman and his wife Pam of Norfolk; and their three daughters, "Mimi's" treasured great-granddaughters, Kelly, Savannah and Jamie. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16 in the Holy Trinity Chapel at Westminster Canterbury. Interment will follow at a later date at the U.S. Naval Academy. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to, and will be gratefully received by Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia, 5361 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23462. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Laskin Road Chapel, is handling arrangements. "Her mind was as acute as her soul was spirited. Therein lies the joy to us."