Obituary of Linda Ellen Palmer

Peacefully, after a long illness, Linda passed away after a courageous battle with cancer with her family by her side. Mom was predeceased by her mother and father, Edith (Lenton) and Fred Keil, and her stepfather Clifford Ward. She is survived by Bill, her husband of 54 years, sons Jeff (Carolyn) and James (Bonnie), and grandchildren Emma, Heidi, Bridget, and Jackson. She is the younger sister of Sharon (Lyle Chopp) and sisters in law Margaret Nygren (Carl) and Barb Ivison (Barry). Mom was born on March 3, 1946 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Growing up on College Avenue, Mom was surrounded by family and friends as the post-war baby boom was in full swing. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree from United College in 1967, Mom and Dad were introduced by Edith, who worked with Dad at Eaton’s on Portage Avenue. They married in 1968 and started a family with Jeff in 1971 and James in 1973. After the kids were grown, mom re-entered the workforce, as a School Board Trustee for WSD1, and eventually retiring as the Co-ordinator of Volunteer Services for WSD1. Mom and Dad purchased a house on Ash Street from the original owner which became their home for 51 years. Mom loved her home, her flowers, her gardens, and her pets. She took such pride in each of them! Family was everything to Mom, and she made sure that everyone was showered with love and affection, attending concerts, recitals, plays, and as many events as she could manage. Mom was tremendously proud of her sons, her daughters-in-law, and her grandchildren. Her kids and grandkids were her greatest accomplishment in life. Mom loved her summers. Camping, gardening, and travelling, at first in a tent before graduating to RV life. Later holidays included repeat visits to the woodcarving festival at Lake Bronson, Minnesota, trips to Hawaii, Palm Springs, and Disney World – these are just a few of the highlights, but being with family was most important. The arrival of Emma in 2006 gave Mom the chance to spend time with her first grandchild. She took this opportunity as a sign to retire and spent the next six years looking after Emma and loving every minute of it. She would later have two more granddaughters and a grandson to enjoy. Mom’s last 3+ years were difficult since being diagnosed with cancer. She was optimistic throughout and remained hopeful until the end. Mom received excellent care from everyone at CancerCare Manitoba, HSC and the Riverview Health Centre. The friendship, advice and support from Dr. Susan Green in particular meant so much to her. Mom was an active and devoted member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church where Mom served on Council as Treasurer. Her faith was very important to her and gave her comfort in the last days. Thanks to Pastor Ron Long for providing communion to the family, and a special thank you to Rev. Olive Flett for her support during Mom’s final hours. Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 18, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 600 Cambridge Street at Corydon Avenue. A reception will follow. The family encourages masks to be worn during the service. In lieu of flowers, donations to CancerCare Manitoba, the Assiniboine Park Conservancy (in support of the English Garden) or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.