Jocelyn Beausire Linke

Devoted Washingtonian, Patron of the Arts, and Beloved Matriarch 1930 – 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Jocelyn Beausire Allan Linke passed away peacefully at her residence in Bethesda, MD, on November 26, 2025, at the age of 95. Born, raised, married and started her family in New York City, Jocelyn became a devoted and generous Washingtonian over the last 57 years of her life.

Jocelyn spent her formative years attending The Ethel Walker School in Simsbury, CT, and graduated from The Chapin School in New York City. She spent her life as a fun-loving matriarch and, alongside her husband, dedicated herself to service and philanthropy. Significant engagements of her time and service throughout her life included working as Secretary to Rev. Terence Finlay, the Rector at Saint Bartholomew's Church in New York and serving in Board positions with the Washington Figure Skating Club, the Kennedy Center and Hillwood Museum, Marjorie Merriweather Post's former DC home. Her generosity extended to ARCS, House of Mercy, Rosemount Center, and the Washington Winter Show, among many others. She was a true patron of the arts, contributing to museums in Washington and across the country.

Jocelyn loved animals and had an adventurous spirit. She traveled the world, visiting all 50 states and every continent—often with her husband and children by her side. Her favorite journeys combined her love of family and wildlife with trips ranging from African safaris to drives across the US to Alaska and the West Coast over the course of her lifetime. An interest that she inherited from her mother, she became a talented and prolific needlepoint artist and created numerous chairs and pillows for her children, treasured mementos that remain in the family today. This past September, Jocelyn joyfully celebrated her 95th birthday surrounded by her entire family and dear friends, a milestone that reflected the love and connection she nurtured throughout her life. In later years, after Gordon's passing, Jocelyn found companionship in Finn, her large and lovable cat.

Without fanfare or need for recognition, Jocelyn moved through life helping many and loving deeply. Her spark and spirit will be missed by all who knew her.

She was predeceased by her parents, Georgina and John Charles Allan; her brother, Stuart Allan; and her husband of 63 years, Gordon Fitzgerald Linke, a native Washingtonian and career Merrill Lynch executive. Jocelyn is survived by her four children: Gordon Frederick Linke (P.K. Van Deuren) of San Francisco, CA; Allan Linke (Eileen Timmons) of Ridgefield, CT; Scott Linke (Deborah Menken) of Ridgefield, CT; and Jocelyn (Lyn) Witt (Richard) of Frederick, MD. She leaves behind nine cherished grandchildren—Gordon (Trey) Linke (Aubrey Zott); Allan, Sean, and Jack Linke; Kurt and Erika Linke; and Colin, Georgena (Gena), and Jessica Witt, and one great-grandchild, Charlie Linke.

Donations in her memory may be made to The Gordon F. and Jocelyn B. Linke Fund at The Hillwood Museum in Washington, DC.

A Celebration of Life will be held next spring at Chevy Chase Club in Chevy Chase, MD on Saturday, May 9 2026.