September Queen of the Month: Queenie Sunshine Linda

With a heart as warm as her name and a spirit that lights up any room, Queenie Sunshine Linda, Queen of the Royal Order of the Drama Queens, is a shining example of Red Hat Sisterhood. Born in Long Beach and raised in Garden Grove, California, Linda has spent most of her life in Orange County,

Linda studied at Cypress Junior College, earning her associate degree before continuing on to California State University Long Beach. Though she set aside her degree, she soon found herself in a new chapter one shaped by love, family, and a career that spanned nearly three decades. At just 21, she began working for a telecommunications company, and over the course of 28 years, she rose through the ranks to become a Level 5 manager. She took pride in being among the first to focus on “customers for life,” managing accounts for companies with hundreds of employees. Her early retirement at age 50 was well-earned and it opened the door to more adventures.

Love found her a second time around when she met her husband through Parents Without Partners. The connection was instant. They were engaged within two months and married in six. Now celebrating 42 years of marriage, they continue to support and delight in each other even when Linda heads out in full Red Hat flair. “Are you really going to wear that?” he once asked. Her reply: “I certainly am!”

Her passions include movies, live theatre, travel, games, and spending time with her five granddaughters. But one of her greatest joys has been her Red Hat journey. She joined in 2003, invited by her neighbor to help start a new chapter and she dove in wholeheartedly. From that very first gathering, Linda felt at home. The chance to dress up, laugh out loud, and share time with other dynamic women was irresistible. Over the past 22 years, she has been an active and devoted member.

As Queen, Linda fosters a warm and supportive space. Her large chapter thrives on shared leadership, with members co-hosting events filled with creativity and connection. “I’m a mother hen by nature,” she says. “I love taking care of things and getting them done.” She encourages harmony, fun, and true friendship within her group, and keeps an open door for anyone who needs a listening ear.

Among her favorite Red Hat memories include a joyful train trip to Santa Barbara, the National Convention in San Diego, and many unforgettable FUNventions in Las Vegas.

Linda lives by the words of Benjamin Franklin: “We do not stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” It’s a motto she brings to life with style, kindness, and her signature sunshine.

To her fellow Red Hatters, Queenie Sunshine Linda shares this heartfelt message:
“The Red Hat Society is the most amazing social organization for women of our age. There’s truly something special about the way we care for one another. Let’s keep lifting each other up and never stop playing!”