OSEA Lifetime Member Linda Bradetich passed away on February 24, 2023, after a long battle with cancer. Our union family will always remember her passion for fighting for justice and deepening union roots in her community.
Bradetich’s involvement with OSEA spanned more than two decades, beginning in 1999 when she joined Bend-La Pine Chapter 6 after being hired as a secretary for the Bend-La Pine School District. Drawing on her prior experience as a classified school employee and union member in California, Bradetich used her skills from day one to help the chapter stay strong and increase union power in Central Oregon.
“Everywhere she went, Linda was a bright light that brought joy and left knowledge,” said OSEA President Sarah Wofford. “Her union activism brought others along with her, including members from other unions and people in her community.”
Bradetich was elected chapter president from 2001-05 and 2007-15. For many years, she served on the Chapter 6 bargaining team, as a Conference delegate and on several chapter committees.
Over the years, Bradetich was active in the Central Oregon Labor Council and in developing the Central Oregon Social Justice Center. In 2005, she led a ground-breaking fight against contracting out efforts in local school districts, organizing the OSEA Central Oregon Coalition Against Privatization.
Bradetich was a fixture on state committees as well, serving on OSEA’s Certification, Member Benefits, Advisory, AFT Affiliation, Finance and Civil and Human Rights committees through this year. Upon retiring, she joined the Retired Oregon School Employees (ROSE). In 2017, OSEA Conference delegates awarded Bradetich Lifetime Member status, OSEA’s highest honor. Past President Lisa Gourley recognized her with a special lifetime activist award in 2022.
Bradetich is survived by her husband, fellow Lifetime Member Bob Bradetich, and her family and friends.