Linda Barrett, beloved mother, grandmother and friend, passed away Jan. 24, 2026, after she bravely battled 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 travelling.

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 and 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 No. 1 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 (partner Thomas Dabney); son Devin Dierenfield (wife Milena); grandchildren Maizie McKnight, Barrett McKnight, and Luca Dierenfield; brother Rick Barrett; and niece Amy Barrett.

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