Linda Janca
| Linda Janca | |
 | |
| Chair Libertarian Party of North Carolina | |
| ?—? | |
| Predecessor: | Unknown |
| Successor: | Unknown |
| Personal Details | |
| Birth: | February 16, 1952 Baroda, Michigan |
| Death: | June 28, 2024 (aged 72) Fernandina Beach, Florida |
Linda Jean Janca (February 16, 1952—June 28, 2024) was an American writer, performer, and activist known for her involvement in theater, music, and the Libertarian Party, in which she serves as Chair of the Libertarian Party of North Carolina, Region 18 Alternate to the LNC from 1981 to 1983, and candidate for U.S. Congress in 1982.
Early Life and Education
Linda Jean Janca was born on February 16, 1952, in Baroda, Michigan. She graduated from the University of Michigan and subsequently toured Europe and Russia with friends.
Janca lived in North Carolina for 31 years, where she worked for a major bank and wrote for The Mecklenburg Gazette and The Elkin Tribune. She was involved in gardening, maintaining a large vineyard, raising Labrador and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, theater, and playing fiddle in the Old-Time Band "Out the Back Door."
She met David Braatz at the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE) in Irvington, New York, and they married on November 26, 1976. The couple shared many adventures over their 48 years together, living in North Carolina until 2007 and then moving to Fernandina Beach, Florida, and later to Yulee in 2021.
Community Involvement and Hobbies
Janca was an active participant in various community activities, including the Time Steppers tap dance group, the L.I.N.D.A. Club, Song Spinners, Amelia Island Singers, Amelia Community Theatre (ACT), Council on Aging, Amelia Musical Playhouse (AMP), and Wonder-Women Bowling.
In theater, Janca performed in at least 39 comedies or dramas, 22 musical theater productions, seven stand-up and storytelling events as Minnie Pearl, and five film roles. She worked on over 60 shows with nine different companies and served as director, stage manager, or crew member for at least 34 productions.
Janca was also a passionate musician, playing the fiddle, guitar, tenor banjo, piano, and hammered dulcimer, and she offered community programs for both children and adults.
Libertarian Party
Linda Janca was a dedicated advocate for personal freedom and limited government. She was a founding member of the Charlotte Libertarian Society and served as Chair of the Libertarian Party of North Carolina. In 1982, she ran for Congress as a Libertarian candidate. Janca was a member of the national Libertarian Party from 1978 until her death, holding membership number 1622. She attended numerous national conventions, hosted state convention speakers in her home, and remained actively engaged in the party. Her commitment to Libertarian principles was evident in her lifelong dedication to promoting the party's ideals and supporting its initiatives.
Death
Janca passed away on June 28, 2024, at Community Hospice in Fernandina Beach after suffering a severe stroke on June 24. She is survived by her husband, David Braatz, and a large extended family.
Campaigns
- U.S. House, North Carolina District 11 (1982)
Organizational Positions
- Alternate (1981—1983)
- Chair