Linda Stieb Hodge

Linda Stieb Hodge, 77, of Albany, died Friday, June 7th, surrounded by her loving family. Linda was born in Inyokern, CA on May 13, 1947 to the late Joseph David Stieb and Olive Christine Harvey. Linda’s family lived in Hawaii, Camp Lejeune, NC, and Washington, D.C. during her father’s Marine Corps career. His last assignment brought the family to Albany, where Linda graduated from Albany High School in 1965. Linda continued her secondary studies, ultimately graduating from Georgia Southwestern State University with a Master of Education. As a student at Georgia Southwestern, Linda was introduced to the love of her life, the late Honorable Richard Lee Hodge, also of Albany. This perfect match was facilitated by Linda’s friend and classmate, and Richard’s sister, the late Sandra Hodge Farnsworth. They were married in Albany on June 27, 1970. Linda began her married life and teaching career in the company of her husband and only son, Matthew McCandless Fox, in Macon, as Richard completed a J.D. at Mercer University School of Law. Upon his graduation, the family moved home to Albany, where Linda continued to teach high school social studies, eventually retiring from Westover High School in 2000. In addition to teaching U.S. history, world history, economics, and American government, Linda managed the production of the Westover annual and organized the commencement ceremony. More than 20 years after retirement, Linda was frequently contacted by former students thanking her for her pivotal role in their lives. Linda spent many wonderful weekends and summers with Richard and her family at their home on Lake Eufaula. She greatly enjoyed her travels with Richard, an avid fisherman; together they visited many lovely tropical and coastal destinations. Later, she prized time spent with her family at their beach house in St. Teresa, FL. When at home, Linda devoted herself to a number of different organizations, including the Red Hat Society, the Kiwanis Club, and Delta Kappa Gamma. She also volunteered her time as a tutor, assisted in tax preparation for the elderly, and compulsively gave to countless philanthropies. Above all else, Linda cherished precious time and memories with her extensive family, of which she served as the matriarch. After the arrival of her grandchildren, Linda’s title would forever change to “Nana,” a name in which she held great pride. As family can attest, rarely a day would pass without a call, an email, a text, or a request for a visit from Nana. She made certain that local family never had an empty fridge, or ran out of necessities like socks, underwear, batteries, canned goods, stationary—the list goes on. Linda is survived by a large and adoring family, including her son, Matthew McCandless Fox, his wife, Julie Strickland Fox, and their children, Camille Fox Sinyard (Beau), Matthew McCandless Fox, Jr. (Mckenna), and William Hodge Fox, all of Albany, as well as her siblings, Leilani Stieb Dill (Alan) of Denver, CO, Jeffrey Stieb (Elisabeth) of Scituate, MA, and Sandra Stieb Klos of Albany. Linda is also survived by her brother-in-law, David Farnsworth, and his children, “Boo” and Mary Beth, all of Americus,, her nephews, Joseph Stieb (Lisa), of Portsmouth, RI, Matthew Stieb, of New York, NY, and Andrew Stieb, of Roanoke, VA, and her niece, Ashlee Daniel (DJ) and their daughter, Penbrooke, all of Albany. Just over a year ago, Linda was delighted to adopt the title of “Great Nana” with the birth of her great-grandsons, Harlin Fox Sinyard and Matthew McCandless Fox, III. Incomparably, Linda’s family was the joy of her life. The family would like to thank Linda’s loving and devout caregivers, Jada Laster, Stacey Suarez, and Brandy Arthur, as well as her tireless medical provider, Dr. Laura Fay. The family also extends thanks to Dr. Enrique Lopez and the compassionate care team of Phoebe’s CCU. A memorial service will be at 11 AM at Porterfield Methodist Church on Monday, June 17, 2024. The burial service will follow at 2 PM at Andersonvile National Cemetery. Donations to your favorite charity are requested in lieu of flowers.

Linda Stieb Hodge

May 13, 1947 - June 7, 2024