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Linda Kay Bloom

1941 - 2026

Linda Kay Bloom obituary, 1941-2026, Fort Wayne, IN

BORN

1941

DIED

2026

Linda Bloom Obituary

Linda Kay (Tobey) Bloom, 84, of Fort Wayne, IN, passed away peacefully after several years of living with dementia on February 11, 2026, Linda made history as the first woman County Commissioner in Allen County. She dedicated her life to serving others, first winning public office in 1978 as Allen County Treasurer. Over the next four decades, she also served as County Auditor and six terms as County Commissioner. Remarkably, she never lost an election. Her leadership paved the way for meaningful public works and opened doors for women across Indiana.

Linda grew up in Fort Wayne, raised alongside her sister Mary Jane Burton. Her family lived across the street from her grade school, Harrison Hill, and she graduated from South Side High School. Linda genuinely loved people and loved helping the underdog. She will be remembered for always being beautifully dressed, greeting friends and strangers alike with a genuine smile and enthusiasm, and remembering everyone's names and birthdays. She adored babies, delighted in spoiling children with cookies and candy, and famously played Santa at Christmas, delivering loads of gifts.

She is survived by her sister Mary Jane (Tobey) Burton; children Kemery Bloom, Matt Chapman (Diana Carson), Kara Bloom (Tom Beck); grandchildren Kai and Gabe Shapiro, Macy and Carson Chapman, Elliot and Henry Beck; nephews Jeff Burton (Amy), Tim Burton (Chanel), and Andy Burton; and her beloved partner for more than 20 years, Bill Hartman. She is preceded in death by her mother Neva (Kemery) Tobey; father Arthur Tobey; and brother-in-law, Fort Wayne police officer Steve Burton. The family will hold a Celebration of Life in the spring.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on Feb. 16, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
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Mike Stone

March 12, 2026

Linda was more than special, and more than her accomplishments - which are prodigious. The obituary mentions 'never having lost an election' , it should also note she was consistently the top vote getter in the county elections- and could have easily crushed any candidate who would dare oppose her should she have decided to run for another term.
Her social intelligence was off the chart, as evidenced by so many who had their personal facts recalled by her in computer-like accuracy.
I met with Linda socially and professionally and can say she's more than "a force to be reckoned with", she was a true gift to our society.
My sincere condolence to Kara, who I had the pleasure to work with in the '90s. May you find solace in the sympathies of so many admirers.

Lisa Hass

March 5, 2026

My condolences to Kara and the rest of the family. My mother lived in the same memory care home as Linda. I found Linda to be feisty and very funny. I enjoyed visiting with her when I went to see my mom.

Teresa Bruno

February 25, 2026

Sending love and peace to you and your family

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Engineering Resources, Inc.

Planted Trees

G. Herb Hernandez

February 20, 2026

My condolences and sympathies to Linda's sister, children, grandchildren, nephews and her partner for over 20 years, Bill Hartman. I admired and had a wonderful relationship with Linda. When I began my county councilman duties in 2001, she found out that I enjoyed oatmeal raisin cookies. Linda brought me oatmeal raisin cookies for each monthly meeting. She spoiled me with these cookies, and I have not forgotten her special attention.

Lois Ternet

February 19, 2026

She was a true friend of Monroeville... I don't think she ever missed taking part in the Harvest Festival parades or supporting our historical society. She was there for the start of CME, The Village of Heritage and remembering the Lincoln Highway.
This legend will be remembered.

Ieasha R. Warfield

February 18, 2026

Remember my birthday 12/07/1990 my condolences Respectfully war world (Ieasha R. Warfield)

Thomas Ostrognai

February 18, 2026

Seeing Linda always made me smile. The first time I saw her was when she was running for commissioner when she was dressed with boots and a shovel and said she could play with the boys. This was a very special Lady.

Marie White

February 17, 2026

I know for sure My mother Gertrude is waiting for you Linda. The two of you can tell everyone how it is and how it can be fixed. I miss you both so much.

John Carmody

February 17, 2026

So very sorry to see this Kem. You have my deepest sympathies. My thoughts are with you.. Sincerely, John Carmody

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Brooks Construction Company

Planted Trees

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Fox Contractors Corp.

Planted Trees

Shan Gunawardena

February 17, 2026

I will always be grateful for your support Linda. God bless and rest in peace.

Jean Jones

February 16, 2026

God bless you Linda. You were a good and fair boss. You always remembered and asked about my family. I appreciated that. Rest in peace.

Sara Keltsch

February 16, 2026

Wonderful Woman.My sympathy to her family

Keith Butts

February 16, 2026

To all of Linda's family and the Burton's too. Linda was a wonderful person to know and work with. She was so professional, knowledgeable and outgoing. She was a trail blazer in politics and life. Such a classy lady. You are all in my prayers.

Keith Butts
Ret. Sgt. FWPD
Parrish, FL

Michael J Archbold

February 15, 2026

Linda was always the kindest person to me and my family. She will be missed. Condolences from the Archbold's to her family and loved ones. We grieve with you today.

Judy Botts

February 15, 2026

Linda and I were very close friends and shared many laughs, tears and good times through our work and social activities. After I moved to Florida, we lost touch with one another. I spoke fondly of her often and thought of our friendship throughout the past years. Rest peacefully my dear friend, I will miss you terribly.

Kai shapiro

February 15, 2026

We love you grandma

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