LINDA JANE MCQUADE (DELAFIELD)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

LINDA JANE MCQUADE (nee DELAFIELD) It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our dear mother, grandma, mother-in-law and friend, Linda McQuade on May 26, 2007. She will be dearly missed by her daughters and partners, Gwen (Keith), Nancy (Brian), Leslie (Don); grandchildren, Jeff (Heather), Allison (Mike), Alexis, Gavin, Dave (Lynne), and Ken (Lisa); and her many friends of so many years. She cherished also the new friendships that she made more recently wherever she went (Dakota House and Victoria Hospital), always taking an avid interest in all her neighbours, roommates and her caregivers. She was predeceased by her mother, father, step-mother (Mary Patterson / Delafield); her brother John and wife Gladys, Ray, and Nick Kalansky (son-in-law). Linda, the only daughter of James Delafield and Jane Bowen, was born in Rainy River, ON on March 1, 1920. Linda's mother died of pneumonia when Linda was only eight years old. Papa found a replacement Mom in Mary Patterson. Mary didn't have any children of her own, so she took on the raising of Linda and John. Linda was an A student and loved to learn and excel in school. In those days, girls weren't encouraged to go to university, so her brother went off to Engineering at University and Linda went to Nursing School in Port Arthur, ON in 1938. In 1942 Mom joined the R.C.A.F. as a nursing assistant in St. Thomas, ON and then Trenton. There she met her 1st love, Don Mackintosh, an observer in the R.C.A.F. He played the tuba in the T.T.S. (Tech Training School) Marching Band and had a beautiful voice. Linda's and his love of music and singing made them a natural pair and they were married on December 24, 1942, Don was killed in action in July 1944. In 1945 Linda moved to Winnipeg to work with the D.V.A. and met Wallace Raymond McQuade (Ray) on a blind date arranged by Bob Collins and they were married on July 19, 1947 in All Saints Anglican Church (the very Church in which she will have her Funeral Service). They had three daughters quickly thereafter, but the task of raising three girls and taking care of a husband, moving to Riverview, a newly developed area of Winnipeg (all mud and construction), getting pneumonia in 1949 and being flooded in 1950, wasn't enough for Linda...she decided she had to get her driver's license at age 35, in 1955, with kids, ages seven, five and three. Linda loved a challenge!! And maybe also her love of laughter and jokes kept her going. She had a wonderful sense of humour - she could quote jokes forever and never forget the punch line!!! Linda was always active in her community and her church and was always eager to help others. She joined St. Alban's Church in 1951 and taught Sunday School, sang in the choir from 1974 to 2002, and was an active member of the Ladies Guild from 1951 to 2005. She was very sad to have been too ill and unable to attend the St. Alban's closing ceremonies held in April of this year. Linda was an avid 5 pin bowler, belonging to the Academy Lanes' Early Birds from 1965 to 2003. She was an active member of the Princess Elizabeth Guild for many years. She sold Avon from 1970 to 1981, which she loved mainly for it's social aspect of meeting new people. She was an accomplished bridge player, and poker player, having made many a trip to Las Vegas, and never missed an opportunity to play as a spare for bridge or in her regular groups. Linda delivered Meals on Wheels for years, and helped Trudy, a polio victim who lived in King Edward Hospital, with her Avon orders. We will miss you Mom, Grandma, Linda - you will be in our hearts forever. Thank you for giving and caring so much. The family would like to thank Monique of the Palliative Care team and her many colleagues, the many caring nurses and staff at Victoria Hospital, especially Etienne, Grace, Albert and Debra, Dr. Green and Dr. Penner and all the Gentle Touch team, especially Lee Ann who became a friend to Linda and her family over these last three months, and Sara who was with Mom for a long time, too. In accordance with Linda's wishes cremation has taken place. Funeral service will be held on Friday, June 1 at 1:30 p.m. at All Saints Anglican Church at the corner of Broadway and Osborne. Parking bans on the street will be waived. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Linda's memory to the Winnipeg Humane Society or CancerCare.

Make a donation to

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 30, 2007