Linda Brosio Barber, 82, passed peacefully at home on Saturday, December 13, with her husband of 43 years, Miles Barber, by her side. After receiving a lymphoma diagnosis last year, Linda continued to live a full and active life until her final weeks, including attending a Rolling Stones concert, making several extended visits to her and Miles’ home in Maui, and regularly dining with friends and family at Vito’s in San Jose, where she could always be counted on to order her favorite dish, the scallops.
Born in San Francisco to John and Anita Brosio, Linda grew up in Capitola with her older sister Elaine, younger sister Judy, and younger brother Jack. Her lifelong love for and devotion to family began there, as part of a large Italian one that celebrated holidays and birthdays together in groups of 20-30 siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and family friends. Throughout her entire life she never missed an opportunity to celebrate a loved ones birthday, graduation, wedding, or other significant event, and took great care in choosing the perfect and most thoughtful gift.
Linda received a B.A. in Art History from the University of Santa Clara. She worked before, during, and after putting herself through school, and while working as a secretary met her future husband Miles, a Santa Clara businessman. Their relationship lasted over 50 years, and was filled to the brim with family, business ownership, worldwide travel many times over, homes in Santa Clara, Aptos, and Maui where Linda enjoyed decorating and hostessing, and active involvement in the Santa Clara community. Linda served for many years on the board of the Triton Museum, including as Board President. She was also a Soroptimist for nearly 40 years, co-chairing the “Classy Bag Affair” of the Soroptimist International of Santa Clara/Silicon Valley for a decade in addition to serving a stint as President.
Linda is survived by her devoted husband Miles, daughters Shelley Devine and Charm Hartland, sons-in-law Greg Byzewski and Andrew Hartland, grandsons Connor Hartland and Tyler Hartland, brother and sister-in-law Jack and Shirley Brosio, brother-in-law Gordon Likens, and her beloved nieces and nephews John Brosio, Christopher Likens, Lisa Likens, Shane Brosio, and Jaclyn Cervantes. A private Celebration of Life will be held early in the New Year.
Linda Brosio Barber exemplified the very best of Soroptimist values—service, leadership, generosity, and compassion. For nearly 40 years, Linda gave her time, heart, and talents to uplifting women and strengthening our community, including her many years of leadership and dedication to the Classy Bag Affair. Her warmth, grace, and commitment will forever remain part of Soroptimist International of Santa Clara/Silicon Valley. We honor her life and extend our deepest sympathy to Miles and her family. My condolences and prayers go out to all the family and friends especially her husband Miles.
I have no words but sadness. Linda and I co-chaired The Classy Bag Affaire, the annual fundraising event of the Soroptimist International of Santa Clara Silicon Valley for over a decade. Together we worked arduously to raise funds for the many projects of SISCSV. She had that special gentle ways to meet the challenges we faced and through her vast connection, worked on methodically to secure more donors for our event. For all her dedication, we are forever grateful. She was 39 years member of SISCSV – one of the originals and frequently sat on the board. When she was President, she hosted many Board meetings at her and Mile’s lovely home. Until few years ago, she hosted our annual summer party at their complex’ club house. Linda, your kindness, humility and presence will always remain with us. Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. I will forever treasure our friendship. Our condolence to Miles Barber and the family. RIP sweet Linda.