Linda Lea Bartlett

If you met Linda Bartlett once, possibly while waiting at the grocery store, you immediately felt the remarkable impression she left everywhere. She was a cultivator of life’s joy and a collector of friends.

Born in Muncie, Indiana, during the Second World War, Linda Bartlett’s life unfolded as a captivating narrative of many acts, from military wife and teacher to President of the Virginia Federation of Republican Women. She rode camels in Egypt, sidestepped a Turkish coup, learned to ski in the Alps, started playing soccer at 40, and grew tomatoes in her front yard. A voracious reader, master of the crossword, and fan of theater, she and her husband Dan never missed an act of the Shakespeare Company. She was stylish and elegant and loved beautiful things. She was a believer in truth, a practitioner of goodness.

And, that’s what brought her to her life’s other great love, working with her dear friends in the VFRW. After raising two sons in two countries and a handful of states, Linda dove headlong into politics to make good on her belief that “Women Decide Elections”.

Her commitment to her cause was unwavering. As was the support of her loving husband who played chauffeur, just as she had supported him as an Army Officer for 31 years. Together, the two covered thousands of miles of Virginia roads, from the Tidewater to the Shenandoah and back to their home in Fairfax. Along the way, Linda was a precinct captain for two precincts, a valued member of the Fairfax GOP Executive Board and State Central Committee, on the advisory committee for the Republican Women's Federal Forum, and elected to the Presidency of both the George Mason Republican Women and the Virginia Federation of Republican Women. Linda was also a Commissioner on the Fairfax Animal Commission where she served dutifully in honor of another adoring friend, the little red pitbull, Ms. Cherry.

So often heralded as a force of nature, Linda's presence was as unmistakable as a fingerprint. Her vivacity, resilience, and ardent zest for life left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to share in her acquaintance. She wove new friendships effortlessly. She felt at home everywhere and made others feel the same. Linda's dedication to her friends and her conception of the good was inspiring to see.

Her abrupt departure leaves a palpable void in our hearts. Linda touched the lives of many. Her indomitable spirit will be keenly missed. Our most heartfelt condolences extend to Colonel Charles “Dan” Bartlett (ret), her sons Patrick and Jason, her daughters in law Adrienne and Mariah, and her beloved grandsons, Jackson and Noble. Linda will persist in their lives as she will in ours all.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the VFRW Women’s Candidate Fund or the VFRW scholarship fund c/o Nancy Russell, 14634 Stone Trace Drive, Montpelier, VA 23192