Linda June Sweetland
July 26, 1950 ~ July 9, 2020
Linda ended her long battle with cancer on July 9, 2020. She faced many challenges in her life, but never failed to meet each one with a clear head and a sense of humor.
Born in Rochester, NY on July 26, 1950, Linda and her sister H.S. inherited a passion for music that Linda later shared with her children, Jamie and Jessie. She completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees while also working full time and raising her children as a single parent; the strength and determination that she exhibited never failed to inspire her family, her friends, and her colleagues. She warmly welcomed new members into the family, Jamie’s wife Melissa and their children Ellie & Avery. Linda leaves behind many happy memories for all who knew her.
Linda requested that if any would like to send a tribute, charitable donations can be made in lieu of flowers. She selected Stand Up to Cancer, for their groundbreaking work in cancer research and support, and Capital Caring Hospice, the organization that was instrumental in easing her last few weeks.
Born in Rochester, NY on July 26, 1950, Linda and her sister H.S. inherited a passion for music that Linda later shared with her children, Jamie and Jessie. She completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees while also working full time and raising her children as a single parent; the strength and determination that she exhibited never failed to inspire her family, her friends, and her colleagues. She warmly welcomed new members into the family, Jamie’s wife Melissa and their children Ellie & Avery. Linda leaves behind many happy memories for all who knew her.
Linda requested that if any would like to send a tribute, charitable donations can be made in lieu of flowers. She selected Stand Up to Cancer, for their groundbreaking work in cancer research and support, and Capital Caring Hospice, the organization that was instrumental in easing her last few weeks.
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I met Linda nearly 20 years ago at Freddie Mac during a meeting of all Division VPs which she was facilitating. The meeting was a disaster, but Linda was impressive. I found her ability to speak truth to power, her logical mind, conscientiousness and toughness admirable. Eventually, I was able to get her to join my department, where she could get some of the recognition she so highly deserved. Once she transitioned from my department, we became good friends. I will miss her and her combination of toughness and gentleness, her compassion, sincerity and generosity and her wicked sense of humor. My deepest condolences to her children, grandchildren and her many friends. Shahla Butler
I, too, met Linda at Freddie Mac. She was my director for a while until her departure from the company. She and I developed a great friendship and had so many fun times together. She gave sound advice and was unconditional in her love of family and friends. She will be sorely missed. Rest In Peace my friend! Pam Bridges
Linda was a brave soul who faced her cancer head on, with dignity and grace. She never ever allowed it to take her sense of humor away for very long and she managed to maintain an incredible sense of perspective throughout the whole journey. But she was so much more that that. She was incredibly intelligent, a steadfast colleague who was not afraid to challenge the status quo and one of the rare strategic thinkers who could take an unformed concept and turn it into a practical path for action. Not only that, she was generous and kind, a great cook and lover of good food, an artist with a flair for decorating, a devoted mother, a lover of nonconformity and adventure (just look at that blue hair!) and one of the best people I have ever known. I will miss my wonderful friend dearly, may she rest in peace.
Love this photo of Linda!
I met Linda about about 3 years ago . She was interviewing me for a position at the College Board: she recruited me. What struck me on that very day and during all the working experience we shared later, was her ability to let you reveal yourself and your thoughts in a most natural way. I came to enjoy our working discussions, true exchanges during which we dissected working concepts into ideas and actionable plans. Many a times we derived on debating the american society. These were great discussions and I missed them a lot. What I miss even more is her joy for life and the way she embraced it all. She was waving all the rocks thrown at her with such grace distinction and optimism for what was coming next. I am truly missing her. My sincere and deepest condolences to her family and everyone that spent time with her. Hervé Busidan
Jesse and Jamie — your mom was and is an inspiration to me. She and I worked side-by-side at Freddie Mac and continued to connect on and off in the years after she left. So smart, so witty, so positive in the face of challenge professional and personal. A real role model for me — a dedication to her family, her work, her friends were her hallmarks, and she was a fantastic foodie too! We enjoyed many meals together. I feel blessed to have her in my memory and my heart.
I became friends with Linda while working with her at College Board, and learned so much from her during that time. She had a natural ability to maintain grace under pressure, a thoughtful and rational outlook, and a sense of humor. She made work fun. “Body parts falling off at an alarming rate” and “abandon your cars now” – two of her sayings that would generate laughter. She spoke with pride and joy about her children and grandchildren. We took many afternoon breaks walking over to Canteen to buy their discounted bakery goods while having conversations about any and all things personal or work related. Even as she sat through chemotherapy, I admired how she took it all in stride, playing games or just talking and laughing to pass the time. She is one of the strongest women I have ever known, remaining determined and resolute no matter what challenge she faced. May you rest in peace, Linda. I will miss you.
I hired Linda at the College Board and she was one great hire. She loved her work and always treated everyone with dignity and respect. She loved her kids and had such a wonderful relationship with them. I loved her spirit and her heart. There is so much to say but I will leave it at this – I am grateful to have known Linda and I am a better person for it. I’m glad you are at peace, my friend – you are missed.
Dear Jamie and Jessie, We’re so grateful to have known your mom, and to have you and your family in our lives. There are so many adjectives to describe Linda, as many have mentioned: hard-working, smart, talented, kind, funny, frank, witty, generous, nonjudgmental, strong, independent, loyal, unique. Also, I honestly never heard her say anything unkind about anyone, and that is rare in this world. She passed on her strong intellect, musical ability, sense of humor, and joyful spirit to you, Jamie and Jessie. You are a reflection of her love, and she will always be with you and in you… Love, Kathy and Rod
I was saddened to learn of Linda’s passing. I remember her fondly all the back to grammar school, having lived right around the corner from the Sweetland family. One of my fondest memories was the day Linda’s father’s barbershop quartet, The Flower City Four, appeared at our school for an assembly. Years later, barbershop harmony would become a lifelong hobby for me as well. My heartfelt condolences to H.S. and the rest of Linda’s family. Mark Block, Rochester, NY
Dear Jamie and Jessie, I am very sorry about your Mom. Although we did not spend a lot of time together when she was living in Rochester, we both were daughters of barbershoppers and that made us family. The Flower City Four now has a 5th harmonizer in heaven. Sending you love from Rochester, NY-Karen Shuptar (the tenor’s daughter)
I was glad to have known Linda and only sorry we didn’t have an opportunity to reconnect more recently. We worked closely for years at the College Board and I always appreciated her good humor and willingness to explore topics in depth. Linda was willing to call them like she saw them and had a frankness that was unusual and appreciated.
Linda and I both shared a love of CS Lewis’ writings, and towards the end of my time at College Board was a frequent topic of conversation.
As others have commented, she was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren, and would frequently share the latest family news and stories with a smile. Rest in peace Linda, Dan Schueckler
My heart was saddened to find out today that Linda passed on July 9th. She hired me as a contractor at College Board in 2014 and gave me the opportunity to transition from the Financial industry to education and IT. Only 3 days after I was hired, I had a death in my immediate family. Linda assured me that my job was safe and that I could take the time needed to grieve and care for my family. Because of her trust in me and the assignments she allowed me to complete, I was able to demonstrate and share my skills and talents and become a permanent employee in such a wonderful organization. I could speak of the many projects and assignments we worked on together under her leadership in IT Governance. Linda had a standard of excellence that I admired, respected, and followed. Linda was intelligent, meticulous, light-hearted and kind. I remember how we used to chuckle about not being good at ‘small talk’, yet we would find a table or spot away from the crowd and end up in the most interesting and enjoyable conversations. Although she will be missed, I have peace knowing that she is now at peace and forever free from pain, smiling in glory!