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LINDA JOLSON
Date of Passing: Oct 30, 2016
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LINDA JOLSON On October 30, 2016, Linda Jolson passed away peacefully at home in East St. Paul, after a courageous struggle with lung cancer. Linda is survived by her husband Doug Davison, her daughter Rhian (Dale), and her grandchildren Noni (Patrick) and Iain, as well as her first husband, Vern. She will also be missed by her sister Barbara, and her brothers, Murray and Laurie. She is pre-deceased by her son, John, and her brother, Garry. Linda grew up in Sturgis, Saskatchewan, and enjoyed summers spent at Crystal Lake. Her parents, Helgi and Ruth, were both high school teachers, and she was encouraged to continue post-secondary education. Linda was a strong woman who cared about social justice. She belonged to a generation of women who fought for equal rights and careers. She began by training as a nurse and then returned to school to study Anthropology at the University of Regina. Linda had a rewarding and impactful career. She began her career working in nursing and social services in Saskatchewan, moved to Winnipeg to work at the Manitoba Human Rights Commission, and then became the Director of the New Careers Program. She returned to Saskatchewan and worked for the Province of Saskatchewan as the Crown Investments Corporation Affirmative Action Coordinator, and the Director of the Women's Bureau. Linda was a Vice President of Manitoba Hydro, in charge of corporate development issues including affirmative action, Northern Flood Agreement mitigation measures, and the employment and training aspects of the Limestone Generating Station construction. She was also hired by the Government of Canada as the Director General of Indian Affairs in Manitoba, where she developed and maintained constructive and respectful working relationships with many leaders in the Aboriginal community. She worked for a time as Vice President of Ontario Hydro, and as a Treaty Negotiator with the B.C. Government. Linda did creative work in her retirement, walking, sewing beautiful quilts, and gardening. Her quilts were bold works of colour, and her West Kildonan flower garden was featured in magazines. She also loved to cook, and an invitation to dinner was an expression of love and an indulgence in rich, complicated recipes. She and her husband, Doug, enjoyed entertaining neighbours, and made life-long friends. Linda was a great role model. She accomplished great things, and at the end of her life she was calm and accepting; she said she had no regrets. She has fought hard, and now she goes in peace. The family would like to thank Dr. Andy Dandekar, Dr. Masumi Dandekar, the staff of the St. Boniface Hospital Internal Medicine Team (Dr. Tony Battad), CancerCare Manitoba (especially Deb Scott and Dr. James Paul), Dr. Meyers and Claire Rubin, and WRHA's Home Care Team (especially Ann Edigar and Dr. Ted) and Colin Langedock at Marion Pharmacy for their gracious caregiving. As per her wishes, the family will be holding a private celebration of Linda's life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba and Villa Rosa.
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 05, 2016
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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So sorry to hear of Linda's passing. She was an awesome woman and I was very lucky to get to meet her. She was my sister Carole D Lavallee's friend for mannnny years and they met through their common interest and studies in Anthropology. I remember visiting at Linda's house in the 60's in Regina and our little sister Sybil (aka Tinkerbelle) enjoyed racing through the house with John. Best memories>> the North American Indigenous Games in Winnipeg when Linda and Doug invited us into their home so we could enjoy watching my son Emery at his swimming events throughout the week. I recall we had the best Chinese Food we've ever had (unsurpassed even to this day!), We enjoyed the backyard view of the river and the big paddle-boat. We all had a great time visiting Linda and Doug on our journey to and from Winnipeg. I was fortunate to see Linda again when they (her and Doug) came to visit my Big Sis Carole and gave her a beautiful Eternity Crystal to hang in her room. I now treasure that Crystal even more since Carole passed away March 2015 and Linda in October 2016. I'm sorry I did not know of Linda's illness and passing, I was going through Carole's phone books tonight, which triggered me to find Linda. I extend my Deepest Sympathy to the family & friends she left behind. Prayers and Blessings, Peace to all. - Posted by: Shelley M. Lavallee (Friend) on: Aug 12, 2017
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We are sorry to hear about Linda's death. Linda was an extremely able , passionate , caring crusader for social justice, especially for women and indigenous people. She was a great believer in and promoter of education for all and for all ages. She was a wonderful colleague to work with. I treasured her as a friend with unusual shared roots. We were born 10 miles apart in a sparsely populated rural area of Saskatchewan near Crystal Lake in the area of Saskatchewan that Tommy Douglas fondly called Red Square for its strong support of the CCF in its early stages and later growth. She was from the big town of Sturgis( 600 people) . I was from a farm on the edge of the big hearted town of Stenen( 90 people). We cared about, and for, the underdogs. To Doug and family: your loss is our loss. She will be missed but remembered. Wilson and Wilma Parasiuk. - Posted by: Wilson Parasiuk (Colleague, friend) on: Nov 15, 2016
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I was so sorry to hear about Linda's passing. I admired her for years. For me Linda was a trail blazer and an inspiration to my generation of women. She took on big responsibilities and tough jobs before many women were given these opportunities and I know it was difficult for her some times. But I will always remember Linda as a fun person who really enjoyed life. As someone who cared passionately and worked hard, with imagination, to help people who needed a hand up. - Posted by: Leslie Turnbull (friend) on: Nov 09, 2016
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I am very sorry to hear of Linda's passing. She was a person who truly cared about others and worked hard to bring about a better world. She seemed to go with dignity and grace. Sincere condolences to Doug and family. Rob Hilliard - Posted by: Rob Hilliard (Friend) on: Nov 07, 2016
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We are so saddened to hear about Linda's passing away. She was one of a kind -- a fiercely courageous, intelligent, and passionate person who successfully overcame major barriers working in a male dominated technological area. While we worked together for many years, we were close friends who supported each other and enjoyed life extensively. To Doug and the family, we offer our condolences, knowing she will be deeply missed. But her spirit will remain with us forever. Much Love Robyn and Marc - Posted by: Marc Eliesen and Robyn Allan (Friend) on: Nov 06, 2016
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I knew Linda Jolson for her leadership, passion and hard work to improve the lives of Canada's indigenous people. She made a long and important contribution. She had my admiration for her courage perseverance and commitment. My condolences to Doug and her family and friends. Michael Decter - Posted by: Michael Decter (Colleague in Government and Admirer) on: Nov 06, 2016
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Linda was a true friend and mentor. She also loved the Wpg. Folk Festival! We will miss her. Rest in Peace. Condolences and love to Doug, Rhain and the rest of her family. - Posted by: Karen and Jim Wastasecoot (friends) on: Nov 05, 2016