Lynda Lee Millner: August 13, 1936 – April 9, 2024
One of Montecito’s most elegant, fashion forward, socially dynamic woman has left us. Lynda Lee Millner passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, surrounded by her family and loved ones.
Lynda was born in 1936, in Washington state, to Aage and Zula Olesen. She grew up in Spokane, WA where she graduated from high school as valedictorian. She went on to attend business college and graduate with an associate degree. Shortly thereafter she married Cork Millner, an officer in the navy, and together they had two children, Kim Cavalle and Dane Millner.
Lynda and Cork had a love for travel and chose to be stationed overseas in Italy and Spain; they stayed for 11 years. Lynda connected with the culture and fell in love with the people, art, food, and drink (sherry in particular) of Andalucía. She and family participated in many local ferias and Spanish celebrations where Lynda wore traditional flamenco dresses.
In 1976, the Millners landed in Santa Barbara, choosing it because of its Spanish charm and similarity to the country they’d left behind. They purchased a home and Lynda enrolled in the LaBelle modeling agency. The agency allowed her to indulge her passion for fashion and thrive as a runway and print model. From here she focused her talent and penned her book The Magic Makeover. She went on to teach throughout California, on cruise ships, for businesses, colleges, and women’s groups.
While not busy modeling, Lynda and Cork continued to travel the world visiting such places as India, Europe, and Africa. Lynda fell in love with Kenya, returning to visit multiple times over the years; it was her all-time favorite place.
Another passion of Lynda’s was volunteering. She began at the Santa Barbara Zoo, spending countless hours as a docent there, nurturing her love of animals. She continued her volunteer work at Montecito’s Casa Del Herrero, giving tours, connecting with people, and reveling in the significance and beauty of the Casa. Additionally, she trained at the Santa Barbara Courthouse, eager to spread her knowledge and appreciation of the historic building with curious visitors.
In 2001, after her first marriage had ended, Lynda met Donald Seth. He invited her to travel around the world with him, and while she couldn’t give up her commitments for that long, they did travel 1/4 of the way. The two married in November of 2002 and they continued to feed their mutual love for travel. In between trips, Lynda pursued her volunteer work, modeling, and what she was most famously known for, her column “Seen Around Town” in the Montecito Journal. For 20 years, Lynda covered every party, charitable event, and social gathering worth knowing about. Her love for her work was evident in her articles, her connections with people genuine, and the quality of her character impeccable. Lynda’s photographs and stories were a treasured part of the Journal.
Lynda leaves behind her husband Donald Seth, son Dane Millner and wife Allison, daughter Kim Cavalle and grandsons Gaby and Cody, brother Don Oleson, adopted family Miriam Lindbeck, countless friends, devoted readers, and admirers.
Lynda’s passing has left an immense hole in our hearts, a rip in our universe and our world a little less sparkly.
A celebration of life will be planned for the summer of 2024.
