Lynda Ann Young (Bartak), born July 18, 1948, in Niles, Michigan, passed away on September 16, 2026 after a life lived with extraordinary love, generosity, perseverance, and joy. A proud graduate of Niles High School, she later attended dental hygienist school in Chicago, earning her credentials before making Cape Coral, Florida her home—a place she cherished for more than five decades. There, she met the love of her life, Art, and the two built a life filled with warmth, companionship, and community.

Growing up, Lynda shared a uniquely precious bond with her beloved Grandma Bartak, a relationship that shaped her heart and the way she poured love into her family. Lynda loved being a wife and a mother, but it was the title of Grandma that brought her the greatest joy. Her grandkids were her heart, and her fierce, protective “circle of trust” kind of love was a blessing they will forever cherish. She exuded the kind of love only a grandmother can give, sharing it generously, beyond family, with all who knew her. She fondly became known as “Gammy” to many who will deeply miss her filling such a special role. Making every child she encountered feel important and loved was one of her many gifts.

Lynda was a collector at heart — of Precious Moments figurines, of stories, and of memories she kept alive through her love of scrapbooking. She cherished traditions and believed in the magic of time spent together. Family cruises and trips, especially to Disney and the Southwest Florida Optometric Association gatherings at South Seas Plantation on Captiva Island, held a special place in her heart.

Deeply committed to giving back, Lynda devoted countless hours to organizations such as the Girl Scouts, the Family & Community Education (FCE) group, the Garden Club, and more. She attended annual FCE meetings in Gainesville and embraced every opportunity to learn, contribute, and serve. Beyond formal organizations, she lived service in quiet, extraordinary ways — especially through caring for several older women whom she “adopted” as family. Lynda advocated fiercely for them, managing their care, helping with their finances, and ensuring they had dignity, comfort, and companionship.

She was the life of the party — always ready with a theme outfit, a game to play, and a bottle of white zinfandel to share. Her kitchen was the heart of countless celebrations. She was legendary for her fudge, deviled eggs, finger jello, Rice Krispie treats, and butterscotch peanut butter bars — recipes that will forever carry her memory forward. At the game table, she was unstoppable, delighting in Scrabble, Rummikub, Skip-Bo, Phase 10, and Bunco.

Her strength was awe-inspiring. A survivor of ovarian, breast, and lung cancers, Lynda fought with courage and grace for many years. Ultimately, lung cancer that metastasized to her brain and spine brought her journey to a close, but even then, her spirit remained unshakably bright.

Lynda is survived by her husband of almost 55 years, Art Young; her children Mindy Logan (Chris) of Fleming Island, FL, and Scott Young (Christina) of Wellington, FL, her stepdaughter Kathy Garcia (David); and her beloved grandchildren Scott and Katie Logan, Lucas and Brady Young, and Thomas and Jen Garcia. She is also survived by her sisters Elaine Thompson and Cindi Holland.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Kathie Bartak Byers.

Lynda leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and joyful tradition — one that will continue to brighten the lives of everyone she touched. Her spirit will be felt in every holiday recipe, every family gathering, every themed party, every card game, and every moment of joy shared by those she loved so deeply.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.