LINDA DIANE ARCHER

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LINDA DIANE ARCHER (nee Smyth) After a lengthy illness, Linda peacefully passed away at the of 66 years on the morning of February 12, 2016, on Ruskin Hill, Baillie House, where she had been a resident for three years. Linda was born in Winnipeg at the old Grace Hospital on August 30, 1949. She was predeceased by her father Donald in 1980, and more recently in 2008 by her mother Helen. Linda leaves to mourn her passing her husband John, sons Matthew Archer and Jonathan (Elizabeth) Archer, brother Donald (Debra) Smyth and her two nieces Kailyn (Jorge) and Tara (Jamie) along with other relatives and many friends. Linda completed high school at Windsor Park Collegiate in St. Boniface, Winnipeg, after which she worked for a short while as a teller at a local bank before going on to achieve her dream of becoming a registered nurse. Linda was trained at the Winnipeg General Hospital School of Nursing being a member of the class of 1972 B. It was in the last year of her training that Linda met her future husband John, who was an elective medical student from England. After a trans-Atlantic romance, and their respective graduations, they were married on July 6, 1974. Linda, with her husband, worked for a year in Sheffield, England, before returning to Winnipeg. Linda worked as a psychiatric nurse for most of her career before becoming an obstetric nurse. Linda was the proud mother of two fine sons who terribly miss their mother. Linda remained at home to raise her sons, both of whom are employed in some aspect of healthcare. Linda, together with her husband, enjoyed ballroom dancing, spending many hours having lessons and dancing the night away. It was in May of 1995 that Linda, John and Matthew moved to Maple Ridge, B.C. with Jonathan remaining in Winnipeg to complete his university studies. Linda was instrumental in establishing her husband's new paediatric practice and without her significant support John would likely not have been as successful. While on the West Coast, Linda, with John, continued with their ballroom dancing, entering (and winning!!) many competitions. Unfortunately, she was unable to continue with this due to health reasons. Linda had many interests one of which was growing hybrid Tea Roses. She had a substantial rose garden in Winnipeg, and was adept at having the plants survive through the Winnipeg winters. She found the hobby signifanctly easier on the West Coast!! Linda also had a keen interest in the history of the Tudors, especially Henry VIII and his six wives, and in particular, Ann Boleyn. She was able to follow this passion when living in England, being able to visit the castles and stately homes where the Tudors lived. She was also an avid Royal Watcher. The family is extremely grateful for the loving and excellent care that Linda received over the years at Ridge Meadows Hospital, and in particular on Ruskin Hill, Baillie House. Special thanks to Dr. Cilliers Marais for his wonderful, attentive care, with regards to Linda's needs. She always enjoyed his visits on Ruskin Hill. In accordance with Linda's wishes, there was no memorial service and cremation has taken place. Linda also wished to be with her parents and interment will occur in Winnipeg, with a private graveside family service. Flowers have been gratefully declined. For those who wish, donations in Linda's memory may be made to Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation. "You will be loved and in our hearts forever"

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 09, 2016