Linda Angela Day

Linda Angela Day-writer, artist, musician, kayaker, scientist, environmentalist, dog friend, mother, and grandmother-passed away on June 6, 2024 from a heart complication. She left life suddenly, but she was active until the end, tidying her garden and preparing to host a dinner party. She is survived by her son Chris Colthart and granddaughter Wren Colthart.

Born in Flushing, NY in 1941 to Wesley and Bernadette Day, she became close with an elderly neighbor, Mrs. Chenu, who showered her with love and made indelible memories that would later sustain her. At a young age, the Day family moved to Glenview, IL, a suburb of Chicago, where she would grow up. She attended Rice University in Houston, TX, studying for a bachelor's and master's in chemistry, with honors. There she met James Colthart, a fellow chemist and musician, and after marrying and living in New York City for a few years, they settled in Houston. She worked as a programmer and salesperson for IBM, and they had a son, Chris. After divorcing in 1978, Linda quit her job at IBM and supported herself as a carpenter and builder while she went to the University of Houston for visual arts, earning a BFA. She later used her scientific background to become a marketing and technical writer for the petrochemical industry and others. After retiring, she dove into her many passions...

From an early age, Linda's notebooks were filled with drawings of galloping horses and other whimsical scenes. This passion for visual art never diminished, and she later studied art at U. of H. and created sculptures, paintings, and drawings that explored her psyche, nature, and the fantastical. She was a member of the Women's Caucus for Art in the 1980s, seeking to elevate the role of female artists and introducing her son to strange and whimsical art events around the city.

Linda played violin her entire life, performing in competitions as a child and in church services and amateur orchestras as an adult. She played with a quartet that practiced in her living room for many years, and she branched out into fiddle, piano, and jazz, earning an associate degree at Houston Community College through her work with their jazz ensemble.

She was passionate about the written word, keeping dozens of journals throughout her life and making her living with persuasive copy. She also studied and wrote poetry, and published a memoir, Sane Enough, about her experience as a survivor of abuse.

An inveterate projector, Linda taught herself carpentry, sheetrocking, and other building skills, using them to build an art studio and office in the back of her house and doing most of the work herself. Throughout her life she would continue to improve her home, often surprising contractors who did not expect a "little old lady" to have knowledgeable opinions about construction.

One of the most beautiful things she built was a wooden kayak, as she was a dedicated boater and outdoorswoman. Hiking, rock-climbing, canoeing, and kayaking were all important to Linda, and she spent many happy hours paddling with her dog Chipper in a basket on the front of her kayak. She was not afraid of whitewater, and spent hours perfecting her "Eskimo roll" for use in the rapids. She rafted and camped through Alaska for three weeks, and she kayaked the length of the Grand Canyon.

Linda was introspective, always searching for personal growth and enlightenment. She had strong opinions but was not afraid to examine them and to change. A dedicated progressive, she pounded the pavement to drum up votes for candidates and causes she believed in. Linda was an ardent feminist, helping her church to create a revised hymnal with minimized patriarchal language. She was an environmental activist, brainstorming and helping to pass an ordinance in West University to protect trees from local construction and development.

Like many of us, she was a dog-lover, cherishing her relationships with Airedale terriers like Belle and Argus, and miniature poodles like Chipper, Felix, and Pip, who were neighborhood mascots

Linda was a complicated, intelligent, and caring person, and a loving mom and grandmother. She believed strongly in reflection, redemption, hope, forgiveness, and love. Her investment in science and rational critique was balanced by her fascination with the mysteries of the universe and her embrace of the spiritual. Linda loved to connect with others, savored a good joke, and leaves behind many friends in her neighborhood, boating, and church communities.

The memorial service for Linda Day will be at her church on July 20. We look forward to celebrating her life of discovery and adventure with some tales; you are invited to share a brief memory or tribute during the memorial. There will be a reception afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, you are invited to make contributions to the Environmental Defense Fund or the Natural Resources Defense Council, causes which she supported in her will.

Linda Day Memorial

Saturday, July 20, 2024

3:00 p.m.

First Congregational Church

Meeting House

10840 Beinhorn Rd.

Houston, TX 77024