Linda W. Charbonneau

Linda Whitney Charbonneau of Indianapolis passed away peacefully at age 90 on July 31st, 2023 under the care of hospice with the support of her family. Linda was the much loved mother of sons and daughters-in-law Milt (Elizabeth) of Princeton, NJ, Andrew (Sara Bodenmiller) of Indianapolis, and Dan of Seattle; and adored grandmother of Whitney (David Pugliese) of Santa Monica and Andrew and Anna Charbonneau of Indianapolis. In May, she became great-grandmother to Eloise Olivia Pugliese.

Linda was born in Beckley, WV and grew up in Charleston. She attended Charleston High School where she began a lifelong involvement in the theater. She attended The Ohio State University, was a member of Alpha Phi sorority, and received a degree in Business Administration. While there she met her husband of 65 years, George Charbonneau, who predeceased her in 2020.

After college, Linda attended Katherine Gibbs School in New York City, living for a time at the famed Barbizon Hotel with other “Career Girls.” Linda continued to use the business skills crafted as a young woman throughout her life.

She returned to Dayton, OH to wed George and in 1958 they moved to Indianapolis and began to raise a family. Linda generously shared her skills and talents as a mentor to many throughout her life. In particular, she was an active member of the Indianapolis arts community, serving as President of the Alliance of the Indianapolis Museum of Art (1975) and on various boards including the Beckmann Theater, Phoenix Theater, Civic Theatre and as Executive Director of the Indiana Theatre Association.

As a thespian, Linda acted in productions at Phoenix Theater, Shawnee Theater, and Indianapolis Civic Theater. She received positive reviews for her unique style and delivery of strong female characters - of which she was the perfect type-cast - in productions like Arsenic & Old Lace, A Trip to Bountiful, Driving Miss Daisy, and Conversations with My Father. She further pursued her passion for the arts at Butler University, where she received her BA degree in Theater at the age of 58.

Linda will be remembered for her steadfast support as a Board Member of Planned Parenthood of Indiana and its mission to support sexual health, wellness, and reproductive freedom. Even as Alzheimer’s disease took her short-term memory, she retained a forthright stand on a woman’s right to choose as central to her worldview.

She was a member of Second Presbyterian Church, Woodstock Club, Players Club and gave generously to Newfields, Central Indiana Community Foundation, and Eiteljorg Museum.

In lieu of flowers, Linda designated Planned Parenthood of Indiana of America as her charity of choice at www.PPGNHAIK.com