Linda Diane Bartels

1949-2024

There are some people who leave the world brighter, more inspired, and filled with laughter. Linda Diane Bartels was undeniably one of those people.

Linda possessed a remarkable ability to find light and meaning even in the most challenging moments of her cancer journey. She embraced unexpected perks of the condition with quiet acceptance—no longer needing sunscreen, setting aside health concerns, and savoring every piece of bread without a single calorie counted. Beyond her uplifting outlook and carrying herself with grace and a deep sense of heart, Linda was fiercely present in every moment. She was determined to live on her own terms, serving as the guiding light for how her life would unfold. She embraced her role as the decision-maker, ensuring that she remained in charge of who she was and how things would go. Her strength, beauty, and unwavering spirit reminded everyone around her that joy, purpose, and dignity are choices we can make, even in the face of adversity.

But Linda’s life wasn’t about counting calories—it was about counting achievements and, more importantly, the lives she touched. As a mentor, business owner, and visionary, Linda poured herself into everything she did. She built successful businesses with a combination of creativity, grit, and heart, shaping not just industries but also the people that worked alongside her. She had a way of making everyone in her path feel like they were the most important person in the world. If Linda told you how beautiful you were, you knew she had a favor to ask—but her charm was so irresistible, you couldn’t help but say yes.

Linda’s creativity was boundless, especially when it came to decorating. Her sister once described her home as “fabulous with a capital F and a phat exclamation,” and that couldn’t be more true. Every space she touched radiated warmth, style, and her unmistakable flair. Her homes were an extension of her: beautiful, welcoming, and filled with love.

Through life’s darkest times, Linda never lost her sparkle. She carried herself with courage, grace, and a resilience that inspired everyone around her. Her radiant smile concealed whatever fears she may have had, as she focused instead on uplifting others.

Her love story with her husband, Jack, was the stuff of legends—a wild, adventurous ride that was as thrilling as it was heartfelt. Together, they perused excitement and shared an unshakeable bond. They were extraordinarily glamourous and beautiful both in appearance and in spirit, lighting up every room they entered.

Linda was a force of nature—creative, courageous, and deeply compassionate. To know her was to feel cherished, to laugh a little harder, and to believe a little more in the goodness of life. Her absence leaves an ache in our hearts, but her spirit remains in every story we share, every laugh we echo, and every room that feels just a little brighter because she was once there.

What a life. What a ride. What a legacy.