Linda Sue Friess

Linda was born July 20, 1941, in Salem, Ohio, and was the daughter of the late Roger and Katherine (Dotta) Fitzsimmons. She lived in the area most of her life, being a part of the first graduating classes at Beaver Local High school in 1959. She was a 1962 graduate from the East Liverpool City Hospital Training School for Nurses Diploma Program. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1995 from Ohio University.

Upon graduation Linda was employed as a nurse at the East Liverpool City Hospital. In 1981 she was appointed the director of the newly opened ICCU at the hospital until retirement. During that time, she also served as an adjunct educator teaching EKG and other cardiac classes. Her collaboration with the hospital’s education department and Kent State University provided the tristate area with Nationally known nursing leaders coming to East Liverpool to speak.

Linda was an early adopter of computers and created some of the first DOS programs utilized at the hospital. Linda was a member of the American Heart Association, Mended Hearts Association and the AACN. She was certified as a Critical Care Registered Nurse. In 1990 she was the recipient of the East Liverpool Jaycees Boss of the Year award.

Even after retirement from ELCH she continued her calling working part-time as a home health nurseuntil fully retiring from nursing in 1999.

Linda enjoyed many hobbies such as crafting, sewing, and doing puzzles. She was also a fan of horse racing which became her later life passion. As the co-owner of Book-n-Fitz Stables, she spent her last days breeding and racing horses. But her Grandchildren were always her biggest passion and greatest joy in her life.

Linda is survived by her daughter, Debbie Long of Wellsville, Ohio, and her sister, Barbara Fitzsimmons of Rogers, Ohio, as well as four grandchildren, David McGuire and Alexa Long of Circleville, Ohio and Theresa Friess and Rosalia Friess of Pittsburgh, Pa. She is survived at home by her companion Donald Bookman. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews and her forever son-in-law, Joseph Long, of Circleville, Ohio.

In addition to her parents, Linda is preceded in death by her brother, James Fitzsimmons, and her daughter, Denise Friess.

Services will be held Saturday, October 16, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. at the Martin Chapel of CARE Funeral & Cremation Specialists in Calcutta, OH with Pastor Mark Blakeley officiating. Calling hours will take place Friday, October 15 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and up until time of services Saturday.

Friends may view this obituary, send their condolences, or sign the guest book at www.carechapel.com.

10/14/21