Sullivan, Linda Faye died on Wednesday, June 17, 2015 in her beloved home overlooking the Milford Haven River at North Riverside, Guysborough County at the age of 59.

Born in Pictou on May 13, 1956 Linda was the daughter of the late John H. and Dorothy (Downs) MacIntosh.

A graduate of St. Francis Xavier University with BA Honours (Mathematics/Minor English), B. Ed. (Secondary), M. Ed. (Administration) as well as an M. Ed. from Saint Mary’s University (Curriculum Design). It was while attending St. F.X. that Linda met her soul mate and life long best friend John F. (Jackie) Sullivan. They were married on June 28, 1980 at the University Chapel on the campus of St. Francis Xavier University.

Linda was both a gifted and talented educator. Linda began her teaching career in Atikameg, Alberta before returning to her native Nova Scotia where she taught at Canso High School and Fanning Elementary School. Linda was an exceptional educational leader having served as Principal of numerous schools both in Nova Scotia and Manitoba. Linda was particularly proud of bringing to fruition the vision for Chedabucto Place in Guysborough while serving as Principal of the Guysborough Family of Schools. The inclusion of an African Canadian Heritage Center, a Fitness Center as well as a space for a Performance Arts theatre was both her passion and mission toward creating a centre of excellence that embraced academics, athletics, and the arts and welcomed the broader community to participate as lifelong learners.

Linda served as Principal of Edward Schreyer School in Beausjour, Manitoba and Superintendent/CEO of Western School Division in Morden, Manitoba. Linda’s last assignment prior to becoming ill was as Principal of Lt. Col. William Barker VC School in Dauphin, Manitoba.

Linda was a passionate advocate for young women pursuing positions of leadership and was an inspiration and mentor to numerous young women pursuing such opportunities. Linda loved her family unconditionally and her family loved her; a wonderful mother, dedicated wife, a passionate life-long learner, a fitness geek and an exceptional knitter (she produced 15 beautiful sweaters for her cherished friends and family since January until her health deteriorated and she was unable to continue). Her work ethic was legendary, and her expectation for every student to become the best they could be was non-negotiable. 

Linda was a consummate Scottish Bagpiper and was a member of several pipe bands; most notably the Heatherbells from Pictou, Nova Scotia where she was Pipe Major and made many lifetime friendships. Linda put her heart and soul in everything she did and could always be counted on to get the job done and get it done right.

Linda is survived by her best friend and husband "Jack", sons Donald, Paddy (Shirley), Conor (Beckie) all of Calgary, Alberta,; a daughter Meaghan (Ryder) and her handsome little man "Ryland", Dauphin, Manitoba; her mother Dorothy MacIntosh, Lyons Brook; twin brother Larry (Wendy), Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia; her extended "Sullivan" family Kay, Sebring, Florida; Alfred (Phemia), Dartmouth; Donnie (Shirley) Ottawa/Lahave; Hugh James (Monica) Antigonish; Gillis (Minnie), Roman Valley; Mary (Harry) Halifax; Anne, Halifax; Cameron (Sandra) Truro; Brenda (Doug), Locharbor; Patricia (Lloyd) Guysborough; Helen (Donnie) Antigonish in addition to numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

Predeceased by her father John H. (Jack) MacIntosh, paternal grandparents James (Blanche Pushee) MacIntosh; Charles (Henrietta Blair) Downs; father and mother-in-law, Donald (Sadie Gillis) Sullivan, brothers-in-law Joseph (Janet) Sullivan, Gerald (Judy) Sullivan, Terry O’Leary, Joseph DeRenzies and sister-in-law Maureen (Ted) Larsen.

Family flowers only please. Donations to St. Patrick’s Cemetery Fund

At a later date a foundation will be set-up in Linda’s name and will be committed to funding opportunities for young women pursuing leadership studies and for the ongoing professional development of women in leadership roles.

Visitation will be from 2-4 and 7-9 pm on Friday, June 19, 2015 at C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College Street, Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Funeral Mass will be Saturday, June 20th at 11 am, at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Guysborough Intervale with Reverend Anthony O’Connor and Reverend  Danny MacLennan presiding. Burial in St. Patrick’s Parish Cemetery,  Guysborough Intervale. A reception will follow at St. Patrick’s Hall.