Obituary and life tribute written by Ilene Jack in collaboration with the Klinger family: 

People who were fortunate enough to meet, Lynda Estelle Barsky Klinger, knew that when they were in her presence, they were fully acknowledged as she always tuned in to who they were. Lynda had a way of truly observing and honoring everything about individuals that she met, and they would feel fully received and oftentimes embraced with a hug. This was a special talent that came naturally to Lynda, and it was greatly appreciated by family, friends, coworkers, and even acquaintances. There is something so special about feeling fully received, to feel that someone understands who you are, beyond superficial appearances and the façade that we each present to the world. Her ability to focus in on an individual and “get” who they truly are, affected her choice of friends, social relationships, education, and career.

Lynda was born on June 28th, 1948, in the Bronx of New York, where she was adopted by her parents Jack and Dorothy Barsky. Her family moved to Florida when she was in high school. In Florida, she met her husband of fifty-four years, Richard Klinger, at a gospel concert. Although Lynda and Richard grew-up in Jewish families, they, along with a small group of Jewish friends, would often attend Christian churches to catch a good sound of gospel music. Lynda and “Richie”, as she endearingly called him, later moved to Orange, California after they were married, when she was 19 years old. The light of her life was her son, Jordan Jason Klinger, and she was delighted in 2020 to welcome his bride, Emma Rose Klinger, into the family. Lynda even convinced them to move next door, so they could enjoy living in the canyon together. Lynda was such a loving person and cared deeply about her extended family and friends. Her brother-in-law, Robert Klinger, and her sister-in-law, Judy Klinger along with her husband, Phillip Dillon, and their children were valued family members always in her thoughts.

Lynda was an only child and chose a couple of close friends to call her soul “sisters.” Her friend since second grade from New York, Ilene Jack, was blessed to be in close relationship with her all throughout her life. Ilene’s whole family considered Lynda an extension of their own. Lynda also had another close friend in Julia “Candee” Corliss, who she dubbed a “sister.” They had a very close, spiritual relationship all throughout life. Additionally, she had a “sister” in Karen Paparella, who she also lured to live in the canyon for a time just to be close and live in the natural beauty of the Saddleback mountains, which was always blessed by beautiful birds and butterflies.

She was fascinated by animals, and her care and attention were focused on quite a menagerie throughout her life. Cats, dogs, ducks, racoons, and even reptiles knew her special attention. She liked plants of all kinds and was happiest in her backyard in the warm climate of sunny Southern California or at her timeshare in Tahiti. Lynda was an avid reader, and her keen powers of observation were focused on a variety of subjects, including, horticulture, biology, music, art, literature, computer science, history and much more - she was truly a “Renaissance” woman. Lynda was always completely absorbed in anything that she was involved with.

When Lynda did anything she did it with gusto, she had a joy for life and put herself fully into whatever she pursued - to say that she gave 200% would not be an exaggeration. Sometimes this level of enthusiasm would leave her depleted, yet it was not in her nature to do anything less. She lived life with all her heart!

Lynda developed a career as an alcohol and drug treatment counselor and since she approached life with a passion, she excelled at providing understanding and support for all the lives she touched. Her steadfastness and ability to be fully-present was recognized by her employer, mentor, and friend who was the Founder and President of “Cornerstone Drug Treatment of Southern California”, Dr. Michael Stone. Her diligent work ethic and deep care for those in her purview led to her promotion to the position of lead Administrator and Assistant to the President of Cornerstone. In true Lynda fashion, she was “on” 24/7 with her thoughtful, empathetic, and observant gaze, which was felt by all staff and residents.

Some of the words which offer a glimpse into her character are creative, intelligent, intuitive, generous, witty, inquisitive, affectionate, resourceful, and truly fun to talk to and be with.

Oh, the comfort… of feeling safe with a person -

having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words,

but pouring them all right out, just as they are…

certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them.

Keep what is worth keeping,

and then with the breath of kindness

blow the rest away.

Dinah Cralk

To say that she was taken from those who loved and honored her too soon would not begin to express the depth of our loss.

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