Linda’s Story: A Life Filled With Love, Giving, and a Passion for Pets
We’re delighted to have Linda Arlene Montgomery Bradshaw as an esteemed and admired resident of Carlton Senior Living Pleasant Hill – Martinez, along with her cat Amelia. With her vibrant spirit and love for pets, Linda embodies the warm and welcoming atmosphere that defines our pet-friendly community.
Linda’s journey began in the nostalgic era of poodle skirts and white buck shoes.
Growing up in Lafayette, California, since 1949, she reminisces about life’s simplicity and slower pace back then. Linda, or Lindy Lou as she was sometimes called, fondly recalls playing baseball in the streets and riding bikes, with the Mickey Mouse Club capturing her youthful imagination.
Born in San Francisco in 1943, Linda was surrounded by a close-knit family. At the dinner table, conversations often revolved around her father’s experiences during the Dust Bowl in Oklahoma. The haunting tales of massive sandstorms that darkened the skies left a lasting impression on Linda’s mind, connecting her to the history and struggles faced by her family.
Linda’s thirst for knowledge led her to find solace in the library, her favorite place, throughout her school years. After graduating high school, she pursued her education at Diablo Valley College, earning her Bachelor of Art degree.
In 1961, Linda embarked on a fulfilling journey of marriage with her beloved husband, Charles Philip Bradshaw. Together, they raised two children, Robert and Laura, creating a loving family filled with cherished memories. Camping trips and sail boating adventures brought them closer, fostering a strong bond that continues to this day.
Throughout her life, Linda explored various professional paths, embracing opportunities that came her way.
From retail to being a teacher’s aide, she reveled in the diversity of experiences. As her children grew older, Linda returned to school to enhance her typing skills, eventually leading her to employment at Pacific Bell and AT&T, where she dedicated many years before retiring in 2009.
Linda’s dedication and passion extend beyond her professional life.
For the past 19 years, she has served as the board secretary for Healing HEART Sanctuary, an organization committed to finding loving homes for handicapped animals. Additionally, her 30-year tenure as a board member at Masquers Playhouse, a theater in Point Richmond, showcases her creativity and love for the arts. There, Linda’s expertise in costume-making and stage management enriched productions such as “A Few Good Men,” “Sweeney Todd,” and “The Wizard of Oz.”
Her generous nature shines through her involvement with the craft group at the Martinez Senior Center, which she led for eight years before the pandemic. The group’s handcrafted items were sold, with the proceeds benefiting the Senior Center and its invaluable services. Even now, Linda devotes her time to sewing dresses for Christ the King in Pleasant Hill, an initiative that provides clothing to orphanages worldwide.
Today, Linda continues to inspire and contribute to the community at large.
We’re privileged to have her share her remarkable talents and rich experiences with our community. Linda’s independence, accomplishments, and unwavering love for pets embody the essence of Carlton Senior Living—a place where residents thrive, surrounded by the warmth of companionship and the joy of embracing their passions.