Dedicated to the memory of Sue
Mary Suzanne “Sue“ Linford, 82, passed away Monday at Providence Hospital from complications of cancer, which she managed gracefully for decades. Truly a force in this community, and a pioneer, she was one of Alaska’s biggest fans.
Born in Indiana in 1935, she came to Alaska as a young bride in 1954. She was educated in Catholic schools, held many diverse jobs before becoming CEO and owner of Linford of Alaska Wholesale Foods for over 35 years. Her LOA crew was deeply important to her. Both a fun-loving person and a sharp businesswoman, she was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Business and Public Service from Alaska Pacific University in 2008.
Sue was a proud mother of five children, affectionally known as “Tutu” to five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Her playful nature, sense of humor, and creation of unique traditions delighted her family and her many dear friends. She had a way of making people feel uniquely special, and her infectious laugh and bright smile were without compare. Sue was just as comfortable getting her hands dirty as she was enjoying the finer things in life (like a good lemon drop!) She was passionate about traveling the world, playing golf, partying with her “Red Hats,” cancer research, singing in the Anchorage Concert Chorus, and a long-time patron of the Arts and Theater.
Sue was deeply generous of time, talent and treasure. A member of Holy Family Cathedral, she was active in her Catholic Faith through many forms of stewardship. She supported and enjoyed her Anchorage Aces (a loyal member of the Cowbell Crew), and loved to cheer on her Seattle Mariners. Sue highly valued service to her community holding positions of leadership on the Anchorage School Board, Chamber of Commerce, Port Commission, Rotary, Alaska Pacific University, and many others.
An inspiring leader among women and men, she received many community awards including: the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce's Gold Pan award, Rural Cap's Outstanding Contribution Award, YWCA Woman of Achievement, Alaska's Small Business Person of the Year, Soroptomist's Woman of Distinction Award, and the Heart of the City’s George M. Sullivan Leadership Award.
We were deeply touched by her presence in this world, and are forever better because of it.
Born in Indiana in 1935, she came to Alaska as a young bride in 1954. She was educated in Catholic schools, held many diverse jobs before becoming CEO and owner of Linford of Alaska Wholesale Foods for over 35 years. Her LOA crew was deeply important to her. Both a fun-loving person and a sharp businesswoman, she was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Business and Public Service from Alaska Pacific University in 2008.
Sue was a proud mother of five children, affectionally known as “Tutu” to five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Her playful nature, sense of humor, and creation of unique traditions delighted her family and her many dear friends. She had a way of making people feel uniquely special, and her infectious laugh and bright smile were without compare. Sue was just as comfortable getting her hands dirty as she was enjoying the finer things in life (like a good lemon drop!) She was passionate about traveling the world, playing golf, partying with her “Red Hats,” cancer research, singing in the Anchorage Concert Chorus, and a long-time patron of the Arts and Theater.
Sue was deeply generous of time, talent and treasure. A member of Holy Family Cathedral, she was active in her Catholic Faith through many forms of stewardship. She supported and enjoyed her Anchorage Aces (a loyal member of the Cowbell Crew), and loved to cheer on her Seattle Mariners. Sue highly valued service to her community holding positions of leadership on the Anchorage School Board, Chamber of Commerce, Port Commission, Rotary, Alaska Pacific University, and many others.
An inspiring leader among women and men, she received many community awards including: the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce's Gold Pan award, Rural Cap's Outstanding Contribution Award, YWCA Woman of Achievement, Alaska's Small Business Person of the Year, Soroptomist's Woman of Distinction Award, and the Heart of the City’s George M. Sullivan Leadership Award.
We were deeply touched by her presence in this world, and are forever better because of it.
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Thoughts
I was a reporter for the Catholic Anchor, and was assigned to do a profile piece on Sue Linford. She had just give $50,000 to Alaska Pacific University. We hit it off, talked for over 2 hours and were friends after that, meeting for lunch frequently. I also owned a commercial bakery. Many of the fillings and products I used came from Linford of Alaska. I will never for get Sue or her birthday, TAX DAY. She was humble, incredibly kind, and had no idea why someone was interviewing her. She told me a story about being in her doctor's office in Seattle. She noticed a piece of nearby equipment listed the donors name. She was casually dressed in jeans, so when she inquired about making a likewise donation, the doctor poo-pooed her. She pressed. How much does that cost? Upon hearing the answer, she took out her checkbook and paid for that equipment. Given the look on the doctor's face, she told me conspiratorily, " That was the most fun I ever had."
Vikki Lee Vega formerly Vikki Vega Madsen
10th December 2023
Sue was an inspiration as a female business leader and as an advocate in her community. It was a gift to have worked with her and to have considered her a friend. Her support made a difference in my life.
Ruth
6th September 2017
Sue's sparkly presence always added so much to our Saturday coffee group when she could join us. She is missed so much. May she rest n peace.
Joann
4th September 2017
Candles
Thinking of you Tutu. Love you and I carry you in my heart, in my thoughts, and in my actions.
Lit by Ben on 10th December 2023
Sue is warmly thought of ... and a wave of caring and best wishes to all the Alaska branch of our family tree.
Lit by The Tom Madden Residence on 19th November 2017
We offer this thought in hope that you will find those moments when Sue's love for you like a breeze on your face. The pain of separation is acute ... may it be replaced with these comforting moments, and may you find them often. Our thoughts are with you all.
Lit by The Tom Madden Residence on 6th September 2017
