Jacqueline Lee "Lynn" Cullather-Popkin

10/06/1941 - 10/25/2025

Jacqueline Lee "Lynn" Cullather-Popkin, age 84, of Bethesda, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 25, 2025, surrounded by her children and the loving support of her home hospice team and caregivers, whom she affectionately called her "angels."
A native Washingtonian, Lynn was born on October 6, 1941, in Arlington, Virginia, to Mr. and Mrs. Edward Michael Norton, and grew up alongside her beloved older brother, Mike. She received her early education at Sidwell Friends and Washington & Lee High School, where she graduated with honors and was formally recognized as a debutante. That same year, she was honored as the Cherry Blossom Princess at the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC. She later attended The College of William & Mary and graduated summa cum laude from George Washington University in 1963.
Lynn experienced two great loves in her life. She first married James Daniel Cullather, whom she met at the Washington Golf and Country Club—where she was a competitive swimmer and he was a summer lifeguard. Together, they had four children: Scott Cullather, Susan Schwarz, Mary Lewis, and Michelle Cullather.
In 2008, Lynn married Howard Lee Popkin, her life partner and business partner of more than 40 years. She lovingly welcomed Howard's children—Toni Popkin, Shira Adkins, Leslie Rasnake, and Jolene Sharpe—as her own. Howard passed away in 2015, and they are now reunited in heaven, along with Lynn's parents, Jane and Mike Norton; her first grandson, Joshua Cullather; and her stepdaughter, Jolene Sharpe.
Lynn will be remembered as a devoted mother, mother-in-law, stepmother, grandmother, step-grandmother, aunt, and dear friend to all blessed by her presence. She was the matriarch of her family and a true warrior to the very end. Her life, though touched by tragedy and challenges, was defined by her unshakable resilience, optimism, and grace. Lynn faced every obstacle with courage and humor, never allowing hardship to dim her light or soften her smile and loving nature. She lived exactly as she wished—rooted in love, her deep faith, and an unwavering commitment to her family, friends, and the real estate business she built alongside Howard.
Those who knew her will remember Lynn for her boundless warmth, quick wit, and impeccable style; her keen intelligence and determination; and her ability to make everyone feel valued, seen, and loved. She filled every room with laughter and possibility and was always the first to lend a helping hand or a kind word. Lynn believed deeply in connection—and she built a life rich with it.
Lynn is survived by her brother Mike Norton, her children and stepchildren—Scott Cullather, Susan Schwarz, Mary Lewis, Michelle Cullather, Toni Popkin, Shira Adkins, and Leslie Rasnake; her daughter-in-law, Kristina McCoobery; and her grandchildren and step-grandchildren—Tyler Lewis, Timothy Lewis, Christian Cullather, Caitlin Cullather, Mia McCoobery, Jacob Cullather, Andy Aguirre, Marco Aguirre, Max Aguirre, Ryan Unger, Charles Rasnake, and Zachary Barry.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, November 7, at 11 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 9705 Summit Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895. The Rite of Committal and burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 13801 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20906.
Family and friends are invited to attend any or all parts of this special day to celebrate and share memories of Lynn. In lieu of flowers or donations, please honor Lynn's legacy by calling or visiting a family member, friend, loved one, or even a stranger—give them a hug and tell them that you love them.
Her warmth, love, and indomitable spirit will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew her.