LINDA DOREEN MARIE SMITH (SPENCE) -

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LINDA DOREEN MARIE SMITH (nee SPENCE) 1947 - 2011 It is with great sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of Linda on Monday, April 4, 2011 at Grace Hospital. Linda was born and raised in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba where she enjoyed an active childhood and busy youth. She was rarely seen without her best friends Nancy and Jackie, and enjoyed playing basketball for her high school team. It was in high school where she met her husband Dave. Linda enjoyed a successful career at Manitoba Telecom Services, where she began as a service representative and retired developing and implementing several training programs. She loved working and getting to know new people. She was fortunate to meet several forever friends throughout her career at MTS. In her spare time, Linda enjoyed a wide variety of activities. With any activity, Linda always put forth her best effort, whether it was taking golf lessons to improve her swing, reading up on the latest trends in home renovations, browsing local nurseries for the very best plants for her garden, or enjoying a glass of wine after the final end of her curling game. She played every game, and took on any activity with remarkable energy, endurance, and always with a smile. Linda was a constant support and wonderful companion to Dave. They spent several weekends in the summer camping, many evening dinners with good friends, and afternoons on the golf course. Together they cheered on local teams, and loved sharing a good laugh. As their family grew, Linda began to cheer her own children on with unequivocal love and incredible support. She was quick with a pat on the back, and always knew the right thing to say to get them back on their feet again. Her family was her greatest pride, and her love was deeply felt. One of Linda's most precious memories was becoming a grandmother. She loved her grandma days with Kai and Vayda and enjoyed sneaky treats and special lunches and activities with them. She loved playing and laughing with her grandchildren and was so eager to share the latest funny quote, adorable picture, or proud story with anyone who stopped by. At Christmas, Linda shone. By far, it was her most favourite holiday and she was constantly revising her theme every year. She enjoyed knitting and crafting to make special gifts for her friends and family members. In fact, no one left the house empty handed around Christmas time. It was a time to share laughter and love with friends, and no one did it better than Linda. Linda surrounded herself with people, and in doing so, created and maintained several strong friendships. She took pride in being a true friend who was always available to help others. Her friendship with Arlene was one she enjoyed immensely. She loved the time they spent together and always looked forward to their next adventure. She was blessed to enjoy a very special friendship with her dear friend Susan. Together they enjoyed theatre evenings, movie afternoons, and good morning phone calls. Linda treasured her moments with Susan and was always grateful for the friendship they shared. Linda will be sadly missed by her husband David, son Ryan (Kelly), daughter Robyn (Jason), grandson Kai, and granddaughter Vayda. She is survived by her sisters Shirley, Pat (David), Gloria (Doug), Dianne (Eldon), brother Terry (Shannon), and brother-in-law Jerry. Linda loved and was loved by several in-laws, nieces, and nephews. She is predeceased by her father Gerald; mother Winnifred; sisters Susan and Sheila; brother Randy; father-in-law Don, mother-in-law Della, and brother-in-law Wayne. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home (4000 Portage Avenue) with a reception to follow. A private family interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba or CancerCare Manitoba. The family expresses their sincere gratitude to the staff at Grace General Hospital. A special thank you is extended to Karen and Johann in Emergency, nurses, Angie, Nicole, and Erin, and health care aides Griffith and Les on the Third Floor. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.mb.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 06, 2011