Linda Woolfenden Ricca

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Linda Sue Woolfenden Ricca, who passed away on June 22, 2026, in Ocean City, Maryland, at the age of 70. Linda was a resident of Sterling, Virginia.

Born on July 29, 1955, in Washington, DC, Linda was the beloved daughter of Kenneth Donald Woolfenden and Alice Marguerite Boothe. She grew up alongside her brother, Kenny, and sister, Sheryl, developing the values of family, hard work, spontaneity, and perseverance that would guide her throughout her life.

A native of Falls Church, Virginia, Linda attended George Mason High School. Known for her strong work ethic, love of animals, and adventurous spirit, her journey led her down many adventurous career paths. Over the years, she worked as a Zookeeper and Trainer at the Bronx Zoo in New York City, A Deputy Clerk and Administrative Assistant at the Arlington County Courthouse, and ultimately, the Business Office Manager at Jim Ricca and Associates Advertising Agency.

Linda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Emmanuel Ricca. She is survived by her loving children: Melanie Rose Reed, and Lisa Joe Brewer (Daniel Scott Brewer), beloved nephew Michael Shane Crowder (Kristina Marie Crowder). She also leaves behind six precious grandchildren she loved more than anything: Thomas Otto, Brandon Brewer, Shane Reed, Owen Brewer, Makayla Reed, and Kaitlyn Brewer and her great-niece and nephew Hayden Crowder and Landon Crowder,

A Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 28th from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m. at Murphy Funeral Home in Falls Church, VA, located at 1102 W Broad St. (Rt. 7). A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, June 29th beginning at 10am at St. James Catholic Church, 905 Park Avenue, Falls Church, VA. Interment to follow by procession at National Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Linda’s honor to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to support her lifelong love of wildlife and nature. Donations can be made online at cbf.org/donate.