Linda Whelan Barber

On the evening of Saturday, February 18 heaven gained a good one. Linda Whelan Barber, aged 75, passed peacefully with her son and daughter by her side. She is off on a new adventure, surrounded by love and laughter, and those who have gone before her. Linda was not afraid to die, just like she was not afraid to live, and live big she did. Her fearlessness guided her and inspired those around her.

How do you even begin to describe a woman with an infectious smile, a fierce spirit, and an open heart? She was a true friend to all, a fabulous listener, a beautiful writer, a creative soul, a devoted mother and grandmother, a sister, a daughter, an aunt, an adventurer, a dreamer, a lover of animals, a motivator, a stable force in many people’s lives, and most importantly she was a GOOD person. Her heart was filled with color and light. She was real. She was kind. She loved deeply with her whole heart, hugged tightly with her whole being, and would take you in as if you were her own.

Linda is survived by her son Ryan Barber, wife Denise Barber and their sons Reid, Cole and Chase, her daughter Kelsey Friday, husband John Friday and sons Cooper and Mason. She is also survived by her sister Barbara Greene and many loved nieces and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents Robert Talmadge Whelan and Harriet Preston Whelan.

If anyone would like to donate in her memory, donations can be made to the David Sheldrick Wildlife trust. Web site is:

www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

There will be a family celebration of life for Linda at a future date.