Linda P Wandres

Linda was many things to many people — beloved mom; doting “Gamma;” a loyal friend and a fierce advocate for the things she cared about.

After graduating from Stanford University and UC Law SF, Linda became a lawyer for the Environmental Protection Agency where she worked to protect Native American rights and clean up Superfund contamination on tribal lands. She won a prestigious EPA Honor Award for her service and impact.

She was a dedicated PTA president at Grafton Village Elementary, raising funds for school equipment and a brand new playground. She was an Executive Director and volunteer for the Central Virginia Battlefields Trust, working to preserve historic “Dirt and Grass” from local Civil War campaigns. Whether in the courtroom or the classroom, her determination served to improve the lives of those in her orbit.

Linda was spontaneous and creative. She was a talented writer and editor. She loved to grab triptychs from the local AAA office and plan family trips. She was always singing oldies, showtunes or catchy jingles she completely made up. And she spent many happy hours arranging bouquets with the flower ministry of her longtime church community, Christ Lutheran Church.

More than anything, Linda was caring. She adopted and deeply loved three formerly-abandoned dogs. (She would want everyone reading this to know that Pitbulls are the sweetest, most cuddly companions.) And of course, she was a superfan of Fredericksburg legend Gary the Goose (if you know, you know).

Linda will be deeply missed by her family and friends: her husband, Daniel Wandres; her daughters, Laura Wandres and Jenna Rave; her son-in-law, Patrick Rave; her grandchildren, Norah and Nico Rave; her brother, Alan Powell; and her decades-long best friend, Marvie Paulson.

She was preceded in death by her parents: S. Talmadge Powell and Dorothy Campbell Powell, and her three beloved dogs, Cara, Shadow and Chelsea.

A funeral service will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, located at 1300 Augustine Ave, Fredericksburg, VA, 22401 The service will take place on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 1:30 pm with Pastor Ann Jones Martin officiating. Interment will be in San Francisco, California.