Linda Claire Doty

Linda Claire Doty, 75, of Columbia, MD was called home to heaven on September 12, 2022. She died peacefully in the comfort of her home from a pulmonary embolism due to covid-19.

Linda was born to Lawrence and Marjorie Doty on May 30, 1947, in New York City. A 1965 graduate of Ramsey High School in Ramsey, NJ, she had spent her childhood and early adulthood in several states up and down the east coast, followed by 19 years in Miami, FL, before ultimately settling in Columbia, MD in 1988 to be closer to her beloved family. She grew to love Maryland, but forever missed the warm sunshine of south Florida.

Linda was accomplished in her academic and professional career. She earned Associates degrees from Vernon Court J.C. and Miami Dade C.C., a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Miami, and a Master of Social Work from Barry University. Her 50+ year career in healthcare included roles as a Research and Clinical Social Worker with a specialization in alcohol and substance abuse, as well as a Registered Nurse, eventually serving as a supervisor and shift coordinator. She contributed to presentations and published research papers regarding drug and alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Principal places of employment included: Dade County, FL; the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD; and Sheppard Pratt Hospital in Towson, MD. She had been serving as a counselor in the Army’s substance abuse program at Ft. Meade, MD, when she retired from federal service in 2012.

Linda was active for many years in the University of Miami Alumni Association, and served as a board member and past President of NIH’s Recreation & Welfare Association. She was an animal lover, and donated money, food, and time to animal welfare organizations.

Despite juggling multiple jobs at any one time, Linda always made time for family and friends. She was a staple attendee of birthdays, holidays, performances, sports, and events big and small for her nieces, nephews, and broader extended family. She was sweet and strong in equal measure. She was fiercely loyal with a laugh that filled the room. Above all else, she was generous. She often discreetly slipped cash to loved ones when she thought they could use some help, and paid for college textbooks for many of her younger family members. She kept in close touch with all of her loved ones: family, friends, and colleagues alike.

Alongside cherished friends and colleagues, as well as a beloved extended family, Linda is survived by her sister, Joanne (husband Cody) Collins, her sister-in-law, Tobi (husband Stephen, predeceased), and her nieces and nephews: Scott (wife Ashley), Alissa (husband Andrew) Gropper,  Brian (wife Anastazia), and Kevin. She also leaves behind four great-nieces and one great-nephew: Alejaya and Teadora Doty, and Alden, Riley, and Avery Gropper. Last but not least, she is survived by her adored cat Marley, and was predeceased by numerous well-loved "furbabies".

A Celebration of Life will take place at 10:30 am on Saturday, 29 October, at Our Lady of the Angels RCC, located at 711 Maiden Choice Ln on the Charlestown retirement community campus grounds in Catonsville, MD 21228. The doors will open at 10:00. The handicapped entrance is in the rear of the chapel. A reception will take place following the service. There will be a private burial at the Mt Hebron Cemetery in Montclair, NJ, on 31 October.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial gifts to be given to The Children’s Inn at NIH, The American Cancer Society, ASPCA, or World Central Kitchen – all causes near and dear to Linda’s heart.

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