Linnea Steena “Lea” Lightner
September 8, 1935 – March 5, 2023
Linnea Steena (Lea) Lightner, 87, of Henrico, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2023. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 60 years, Robert B. Lightner (Bob); and parents, Anton and Aino Carlson. Survivors include her daughter, Laura Jones (Donald); two grandchildren, Catherine and David (Veronica); brother, Arnold Carlson (Marcia) and their three daughters, Amanda (Zach), Catherine, and Caroline.
Linnea was born on September 8, 1935, in Brooklyn, N.Y., the proud daughter of Scandinavian immigrants. At age 5, her family moved to Vineland, N.J. where, with much hard work, grit, and determination, they built a successful poultry farm. Lea was shaped by this experience and developed a strong work ethic and resilience. She was a 1953 graduate of Vineland High School and went on to attend business college. Upon graduating, she joined DuPont in Wilmington, DE, where she met and married Bob. In 1959, soon after their daughter was born, they moved to Richmond, where Bob worked for Reynolds Metals for 32 years.
Lea enjoyed painting, calligraphy, and photography. She was a voracious reader, a lifelong learner, and affectionately known to the family as a stickler for proper grammar, spelling, and promptness. With insatiable wanderlust, Bob and Lea drove cross-country to Alaska twice, enjoying the journey as much as the destination. Through the years, they visited every state in the U.S., every province in Canada, and nine European countries. Their preferred method of travel, both on their trips and throughout life, was exploring off the beaten path. They were loyal supporters of the VMFA Theater, Barksdale Theater, Richmond Symphony, and Richmond Forum. Lea was a longtime, active member of the Tri Club Women’s Club. While there, she held many leadership positions, made lifelong friends, and enjoyed giving her time to their many philanthropic causes.
The family would like to thank the staff at Commonwealth Senior Living at the West End and the nurses from Suncrest Hospice, Natalie and Donmoniquie, for the care they provided. A special thanks goes to Su Suraci, Lea’s private aide, for the compassionate and thoughtful care she provided to Lea over the last 8 months.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the “Days of Caring” fund at Suncrest Hospice 7301 Forest Ave, Suite 110, Richmond VA, 23226, or to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Linnea was an amazing woman, so talented, smart and quick witted! She kept us all on our toes!
Laura, Linnea’s daughter, described her Mom as “complex” the perfect adjective and I totally agree.
Linnea was a real “lady” in every way. I learned so many things from her and respect how she carried herself.
It was my honor to care for her.
Linnea will be missed by so many of us.
Heartfelt Condolences to all her lovely family.
Su Suraci
Laura,
Deepest sympathies to you on the passing of your mother. Have gone through losing both my parents as well, so truly understand the massive impact. I will be holding you and your family in thoughts and prayers as you begin this new grief journey.
May treasured memories provide comfort, strength, and peace at this difficult time.
Lea was such an asset to Tri Club over the years. She signed us in at evey meeting and kept everything in order. We have missed her in the last few years.
Mary-Meade Lee, President Tri Club Woman’s Club
Oh! What wonderful memories I have of Lea! Her wonderful laughter and quick wit!! And all those years of baking Christmas goodies and snickerdoodles with my mother! Such a joy to reflect on those memories! Her memory brings a smile to my entire family. Heartfelt condolences to Laura and her family!