Linda Barrett

Linda Barrett, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away January 24 after bravely battling stage-four lung disease for 17 years. She was 77 years old.

Linda was born in Los Angeles on April 7, 1948, to Dick and Emily Barrett. Growing up in an athletic and adventurous family, she spent her childhood snow skiing, water skiing, boating, swimming, playing tennis, and traveling. She grew up in Toluca Lake in the San Fernando Valley and attended Hollywood High School, and later graduated magna cum laude from Woodbury University.

Marriage brought her to Santa Barbara, where, as Linda Dierenfield, she had two children, Darcie & Devin. When they were three and four years old, Linda became a single mother—a role she embraced with strength and devotion for the next 18 years. Linda pursued a career in real estate and rose to become the number one agent in her company for multiple years. She also dedicated herself to community service, participating in numerous charities and chairing major events.

In 1994, Linda remarried and discovered her love of golf. Although the marriage ended, the passion for the game remained. She became a member of La Cumbre Country Club and later enjoyed a second home in Rancho Mirage, where she played in three women’s golf groups. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Linda also competed in multiple triathlons and Ironman events. She approached each with the same “do the best you can” spirit that defined her approach to work, sports, and life.

Linda is survived by her daughter, Darcie McKnight, and her partner, Thomas Dabney; her son, Devin Dierenfield, and his wife, Milena. Linda’s grandchildren, Maizie McKnight, Barrett McKnight, Luca Dierenfield, and her brother, Rick Barrett, and niece, Amy Barrett.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Pulmonary Department.