Linda June (Catlett) Gilbert

Linda June Catlett Gilbert, 85, widow of Dr. George Freeman Gilbert, M.D., died Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at Taylor Manor in Versailles.                  

         She was born in Lawrenceburg to the late Charles Eunice Catlett and Corrine Driskell Catlett. Linda was a member of St. Lawrence Church (and grew up a member of First Christian) and a 1951 graduate of Anderson High School. When she was twelve years of age, Linda performed complex piano concertos by many famous composers, including Schubert and Bach. She attended Christian college, and later UK. She kept busy as a mother to eight creative and athletic children, inspiring them to follow their passions.

She spent many evenings entertaining family and friends at the Ripy House. Luella Lawson and Aunt Gladys Gilbert would help her prepare for dinner parties. With the aid of her friend Walter Langsam, she added the Ripy House to the National Register for Historic Places. She joined The Bluegrass Trust for Historic Preservation, where she helped save the Victorian buildings of downtown Lexington and many Lawrenceburg homes. She also hosted parties for magazine writers to promote Kentucky tourism.

Linda had a fondness for the arts, especially classical music, architecture, and theatre. She was often thinking of others, regularly sending postcards, flowers, and gifts to loved ones. Linda converted to Catholicism after marrying George in 1951, and she remained devoutly religious throughout her life.

She is survived by eight children: George Freeman Gilbert, Jr. (Connie) of Lawrenceburg; Charles Catlett Gilbert (Teresa Marcinek) of Lawrenceburg, Elizabeth McKee Gilbert Swartz (Mark Fitzgerald) of New Braunfels TX, Therese Kavanaugh Gilbert of Corpus Christi TX, Dr. John Webster Gilbert of Lexington, Dr. James Driskell Gilbert (Leslie) of Nicholasville, Louis Gerard Gilbert of Phoenix AZ and Linda Marie Loughrin of Bowling Green; a sister, Joyce Catlett Swords of Charlotte NC; 19 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

She will be missed by her friends Mickey Gilbert, Allen B. and Doris Robinson, Janet Bercaw Patrick, Mickey Hodson, Betty Stratton and many others.

         Linda was preceded in death by a beloved granddaughter, Audrey Swartz of New Braunfels TX, a brother, Louis Eldon Catlett of Los Angeles CA, her antiquing friend Marie White of Paris KY, Katherine Loughrin of Lexington, and cherished daughter-in-law Patty Powell Gilbert of Lexington.

         Funeral services will be noon Thursday, October 31, 2019 at Gash Memorial Chapel with Fr. Chris Clay officiating. Burial will follow in Lawrenceburg Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday and from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Thursday. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 2 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church.

         Casket bearers will be grandchildren Reed Gilbert, Tom Swartz, John James Loughrin, Alec Gilbert, Georgie Loughrin, Ryan Gilbert, and Adam Gilbert.

         Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 120 North Gatewood St., Lawrenceburg KY 40342.

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