Lindi Lee Bortney died May 1 at her home in Ripton, Vermont after a long illness. She was 79. She was born April 28, 1945 in San Francisco and grew up in Oakland.  She changed her name from Linda to Lindi as an adolescent. 

Lindi graduated from Oakland High School and the University of California, Berkeley, where she majored in theater arts.  She earned a masters degree in music composition and theory at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where she met Jay Selnick.  Their marriage, in 1970, ended in an annulment.

Lindi taught music in Garden City and then in Syosset, New York, where in 1974 she founded the Adelettes, a girls’ barbershop chorus.  The Adelettes have won many awards over the years.  Lindi’s concert choirs also won numerous honors.

In 1977 she met Jerome Shedd when they were singing together in a chorus with the Philadelphia Orchestra.  They were married in 1985. 

She was music director of the Island Hills Chorus on Long Island.  She appeared on the stage of Carnegie Hall several times, as part of the New York Choral Society and Ramapo Valley Chorus. The latter became international champions. 

Lindi was in demand as a conductor and clinician, touching the lives of many students across the United States.  She was the first recipient of the Sweet Adelines International Music Educator Award.

After retirement, Lindi and Jerry moved to their home in Ripton. Lindi founded Maiden Vermont, a women’s barbershop chorus, and was their director.  She also served as music director for several theatrical shows.  

Lindi was an avid traveler and reader, loved folk dance and square dance, and enjoyed potting flowers.  Her happy place was in the bow of her canoe, fishing in Vermont waters. Her photographs won blue ribbons. 

She is survived by Jerome Shedd, cousins in California, and many honorary brothers, sisters and children. She loved many people. 

At her request, a memorial square dance will be held at a later date.  Contributions in her memory may be made to Addison County Home Health and Hospice PO Box 754 Middlebury, VT 05753.