Linda O'Brien
With bereaved hearts, her family is devastated to announce the passing of Linda Marie Morgan
O’Brien of Strasburg, VA. She was 73 years old on January 24, 2026 when she ascended to
glory, reuniting with her beloved Mother.
Linda was born in Olean, NY to Lewis Morgan and Densie Morgan. The family moved often due
to Lou’s profession and she spent years in Norfolk, VA, Roanoke, VA, Rockville, MD, and Silver
Spring, MD, until finally settling in Sterling, VA when she was 15.
In 1973 Linda married Jim Butts and they subsequently had 4 children together. After divorcing
in 1988, she met the love of her life, David O’Brien, in 1995. They married in 1997 and until
death did they part.
Linda always loved children. She studied Early Childhood Education at Baptist Bible College in
Clarks Summit, PA and was a stay-at-home Mom for over a decade. She said this was HER
FAVORITE JOB – emphasis hers! She started a babysitting business on the side for extra income
and subsequently became a second Mom to many children over the years. She found great joy
in raising little hearts and minds.
Eventually she was required to take a job outside the home. In order to pay the mortgage and
keep food on the table, she worked during the day as a Loan Originator for Navy Federal Credit
Union and by night as a waitress at the Black-Eyed Pea. Her work ethic, determination and pure
grit during this period was an incredible example for her children. After she and David married,
she was able to quit the second job and eventually move into a less stressful career working in
her community. She worked 19 years for Loudoun County Parks & Recreation as a front office secretary. Her favorite thing was seeing the pre-school children come in every year for their
daily programs. She enjoyed learning about the different cultures of people in the County and
said she worked with a great many people who became wonderful friends. She retired from the
County in 2018 and enjoyed 8 wonderful years as a stay-at-home Grandma.
Linda had many interests. She was an avid Washington Commanders fan, enjoyed going to
concerts, was very involved in learning about nutrition and healthy living, always kept a garden
or grew plants indoors, was a fascinated bird lover, and upon retirement, volunteered for Meals
on Wheels. In addition, her 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren kept her very busy and
on her toes.
Linda is predeceased by her loving Mother, Densie and Father, Lewis.
She will be deeply mourned by her husband David O’Brien, children Jansie (Mark) Choban of
Lynchburg, VA, Jason (Pily Marzal) Butts of Puebla, Mexico, Justin (Jaqueline Coro) Butts of
Strasburg, VA, and Jodi (Michael) Shaffer of Linden, VA; grandchildren Jennifer Heath, Valouria
Choban, Valerie Lopez, Morey LaMonda, Erik Butts, Malia Shaffer-Wells, Benedict Shaffer,
Francis Shaffer, Colette Shaffer, Jane Shaffer, Lucinda Shaffer, Mercedes Shaffer and Edmund
Shaffer; sister Lois (Franklin) Kyle of Lovettesville, VA, brother Steve (Patty) Morgan of
Bluemont, VA, half-siblings Faye Morgan (James Antonio) and Nelson Morgan (Molly Martin)
and innumerable additional family and friends.
Linda said she wanted to be remembered as a happy and giving person.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. February 7, 2026, at Stover Funeral
Home, 177 N. Holliday Street, Strasburg, VA 22657. The family will receive friends at the
funeral home one hour prior to the service.
Flowers are welcome, but donations to Blue Ridge Hospice, who provided excellent care for
Linda in her last days, are also appreciated. Donations in her name can be mailed to: Blue Ridge
Care, Attn: Development, 333 W. Cork St, #405, Winchester, VA 22601
Stover Funeral Home and Crematory, Strasburg, VA, is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Linda Marie O’Brien.
