Caitlin Elizabeth Nussbaum M.D.

1984 - 2021

NUSSBAUM CAITLIN ELIZABETH SMITH NUSSBAUM, M.D. Caitlin Elizabeth Smith Nussbaum, who came into this world on a cherry blossom morning, April 3, 1984, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Virginia on March 30, 2021. Home was with her loving husband Tim Nussbaum and their beautiful boys Wesley and Sutton, whom she will love to the moon and the back forever and always.

Caitlin was born in Washington DC and grew up in Potomac, Maryland, where she graduated from Wootton High School in 2002. She was an exceptional student and athlete, and excelled in soccer, lacrosse and swimming. Caitlin earned her B.S. magna cum laude from Wake Forest University in 2006, a masters degree in biophysics and physiology from Georgetown University in 2007, and a medical degree from The George Washington University School of Medicine in 2011. She completed her pediatric residency at Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children in 2014, and was a practicing physician and partner at Pediatric Associates of Alexandria. Her love and interest in medicine was inspired at age three by her grandfather, Dr. Wesley Gregor. Caitlin was a caring and compassionate pediatrician who was loved by her colleagues, patients and their families.

Caitlin loved spending time in Duck, North Carolina where she enjoyed her family's home and gatherings for twenty years. She relished the warmth of the sunshine on her face as she and Tim created memories for Wesley, Sutton and their sweet dog Riley. Caitlin was happiest in her role as a mother, whether it was bouncing on a trampoline, creating art, playing tickle monster, or reading and singing to her sons at bedtime. Nature walks were a favorite family activity. She enjoyed every moment with her boys, of which there were never enough. Caitlin was excited about Wesley and Sutton beginning school this fall. It was kindergarten where Caitlin and Tim first met. Caitlin was a lifelong Chicago Bears fan, and shared game days and the "Super Bowl Shuffle" with her boys.

Caitlin always put others first. Loving and loyal, she shared her kind heart with all. She was funny, with a quick wit and an infectious smile. Family was the most important part of her life. Caitlin was preceded in death by her grandparents, Wesley and Elizabeth Gregor and Jeanne and Woodrow Smith; her uncle, MIchael Gregor; and her mother-in-law, Maggie Riechers.

Caitlin will be dearly missed and forever loved and cherished by her parents Gayle and Steve Smith, her brother Gregory, sister-in-law Caitlin, and nieces and nephew, Tenley, Jack and Aubrey Smith; her aunts Shelby (Charles) Larsen, Debra (John) Lee, uncle Marty (Megan) Gregor, and eight devoted cousins and their families; her father-in-law Bill Nussbaum (Jeanne Paccia), sisters-in-law Annie (Andy) Droste and Joshua, and Molly (Eric) Schulman and Matthew. She leaves behind many friends, especially her loving friends Janie Bryant and Lily Maltz.

To further her quest to keep family, friends and patients safe during the pandemic, we will celebrate Caitlin and her remarkable life on a future date. Contributions may be made in Caitlin's memory to The Child & Family Network Centers of Alexandria at https://cfnc-online.org/. Until we are able to gather together, please keep her in your hearts.

Caitlin inspired so many, loved so many, and was loved by so many. As we watch the sun reflect off the ocean waves or bask in the glow of the evening moon, we remember you, our beautiful Caitlin, always and forever.