Linda Cyrilla (Sroka) Chambless, 77, of Ponte Vedra, Florida, passed away on July 11, 2026, following a brave and courageous nearly three-year battle with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.
Linda is survived by her devoted husband, James ("Jim") Chambless; her daughter, Lisa Armbruster and son-in-law, Jonathan Armbruster of Ponte Vedra, Florida; her son, Paul Heckman and daughter-in-law, Betsy Heckman of Glen Allen, Virginia; and her cherished grandchildren, Ellie and Maya Armbruster, and Brandon, Lyla, Lane Heckman, and Liam Hastings. She was preceded in death by her father Joseph Sroka, her mother Cyrilla Sroka, and her brother Paul Sroka.
Born May 26, 1949, in Webster, Massachusetts, Linda spent her childhood there and graduated from Bartlett High School in 1967. She went on to earn a degree in Mathematics from Smith College in 1971, graduating magna cum laude. She began her career in statistical analysis and computer programming, working in Boston, New York City, and New Jersey before welcoming her children, Lisa and Paul.
In 1983, Linda's career brought her to Northern Virginia, where she embarked on a distinguished career with The MITRE Corporation and Concept 5 Technologies. Over the course of her professional life, she held leadership roles in software, systems, and data engineering, ultimately serving as Director of a Technical Center at MITRE, a not-for-profit organization supporting U.S. government agencies.
A visionary in data management, Linda pioneered the development of innovative processes that improved the accuracy and accessibility of complex data systems. Equally important to her was advancing opportunities for others. Through both her leadership and advocacy, she helped create greater career opportunities and pay equity for women in technology and engineering fields. While balancing a demanding career and family life, she also earned a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from George Mason University in 1987.
Linda met Jim serendipitously in 1984 when their offices were collocated on the MITRE campus. They married on February 8, 1986, beginning a partnership that would span more than forty years. Together they built a life in Northern Virginia while raising Lisa and Paul. Family vacations often centered on the activities they loved most: sailing and swimming at Webster Lake, enjoying Florida's northeast coast, snow skiing, and scuba diving.
Having spent her childhood summers on Webster Lake, Linda developed a lifelong love for the water. What began as a passion for swimming and sailing grew into a deep affection for the ocean and beach life. In retirement, she and Jim fulfilled a longtime dream by moving to their beachfront home in Ponte Vedra Beach in 2003, where they lived until relocating inland to Nocatee in 2020.
Linda treasured life on the beach and created countless memories there with Jim, her children, and her grandchildren. She was equally devoted to preserving the coastline she loved. Her final volunteer "career" was as a founding board member and Vice President of the South Ponte Vedra-Vilano Beach Preservation Association. Through thirteen years of dedicated grassroots advocacy, she helped lead a community effort that ultimately secured a major beach restoration project for the eroding South Ponte Vedra shoreline.
In her later years, Linda and Jim enjoyed a series of long-awaited adventures together, traveling to Australia and New Zealand, Nova Scotia, Greece, the Galápagos Islands, Alaska, and England. Yet nothing brought Linda more joy than time with her grandchildren. Whether playing with them when they were young or cheering them on as they grew older, she never missed an opportunity to be part of their lives, activities, and accomplishments.
Linda was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and leader. She will be remembered for her brilliant mind, unwavering determination, generous spirit, and radiant smile. Though small in stature, she was a mighty force whose intelligence, resilience, and characteristic Polish stubbornness carried her through life's challenges, including her courageous battle with cancer. Her strength and perseverance live on in her children and grandchildren.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and staff of Mayo Clinic Jacksonville for their leading edge and compassionate care.
Memorial donations may be made to Mayo Clinic Jacksonville or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in Linda's honor.
A Celebration of Life will be announced soon.
