Linda Louise Barraclough

Linda Louise Dahl Barraclough was born July 15, 1946, to Rudolph and Agnes Dahl in Newark, NJ. She spent her childhood in the small farm town of Long Valley, NJ, where her mother owned and operated a general store. They lived upstairs above the store, which was heated by a potbelly stove. Linda loved horses and was lucky enough to have one herself thanks to a farmer who patronized the store and offered her a place to board her beloved equine friend. Following her High School graduation, Linda and her family moved to Hollywood, Florida — a fateful turn of events resulting in her meeting the love of her life, Allen Barraclough, who had just returned home from Vietnam.

After a few lunch dates swapping her PB & J sandwich for his eggplant-and-tomato sauce one, the rest is history and the couple wed on June 24, 1967. Linda and Allen were blessed with two children: son Patrick (Christi) and daughter Kelley (Tim) who eventually graced them with three grandchildren — Austin, Lucy and Anna, all of whom cherish her memory. Allen and Linda spent the first 15 years in Hollywood, Florida, then moved to West Palm Beach where they lived another 15 years before finally deciding to migrate to Grapevine in the Lone Star State in May of 1996.

The term unpretentious best describes Linda’s personality. Linda was not motivated by recognition or awards; instead, she had a genuine desire to help and volunteer. She was the kind of woman who wouldn’t say mud if it was in her mouth. She saw the good in everyone versus being critical.

Linda was one of the kindest people you’d ever want to meet. She served the Lord and community with tasks that filled her heart. She had a passion helping the physical, mental, and emotional needs of children through the healing power of horses for 15 years — 10 with Victory Therapy Center. Every Thursday morning for years, Linda could be found pulling weeds at the Botanical Garden because she wanted to help in any way she could and remarked when asked why she chose to do so: “because someone has to do it and I’m that someone”. In addition to these selfless tasks, every Monday morning Linda would straighten the pew backs in her beloved FUMC-Grapevine. Linda adored her friends and her church in Grapevine with equal measure. She loved and protected her family like a mama grizzly bear does her cubs. While Allen and Linda had different personalities, Allen being more social and gregarious and Linda more reserved, they both recognized these differences, embracing them, which created a bond stronger than super glue for over 54 years.
Linda went to Heaven, making it a better place on February 7th, 2022, at the age of 75. She will be missed by many, but her light shone so bright that their loss is diminished by their gratitude for having known her.

Linda was a passionate supporter and volunteer of Victory Therapy Center. In lieu of gifts, we ask that you consider making a donation at www.victorytherapy.org .
**Please use the church entrance from Ball St. ,next to the Botanical Gardens in Grapevine. Church Street is closed due to construction.**