LINDA JEAN RICHARD

It is with tremendous sadness we announce the passing of beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend Linda Jean Richard (née Udell) on October 30, 2020 after a short but valiant battle with cancer.

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She was preceded by her father Hugh (Doug) and mother Isabella (Belle). She is survived by her loving husband & soulmate Gilbert (Gil), as well as the family and grandchildren that she loved so deeply – including Doug (brother)/Kathy, Donald/Joanne, Colette/Kevin, Diane/Ray, Deidre/Paul, and grandchildren Neil, Erin, Kurtis, Kelly, and Michael.

Linda was born in Brandon, Manitoba on January 11, 1944, where she later attended school at Brandon Collegiate Institute.  She was adventurous, competitive, and had a beautiful voice; participating in sports like figure skating and being an active choir member. Linda and her family spent many great summers together at Clear Lake, and she was even known to be more than a little mischievous in her youth, often being caught attempting to sneak in late at night after missing curfew.

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From there, she moved to Winnipeg at the age of 18, where after a few stops she shared a house on Home Street with great friends Arlene, Georgina, Faye, and Dee, where they shared many great times and endless laughter. Linda loved shopping trips with the girls, long weekends at Clear Lake, touring the “Christmas homes” in the winter, and singing & dancing late into the night. She wore many hats and worked many jobs, including Dominion Finance, the Winnipeg Airport, Safeway, and Oak Park High School. Speaking of hats, later in life she also loved her regular lunch outings with the “Red Hat” ladies.

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Through her entire life, Linda could best be described as vibrant and full of life. She continued to have a strong sense of adventure and developed a passion for travel, both of which she shared with Gil. They were fortunate to see the world together through many local and international travels, spent winters riding snowmobiles, and had many summers building memories at their Pelican Lake property. Her face always lit up when she could share stories of where she and Gil had been last, or what they were planning next.

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Linda loved unconditionally, never expecting anything in return. She was patient, caring, and humble. A lover of jokes, she had a laugh that could and very often did fill the room. She never forgot to reach out on a birthday or special occasion, could bake a mean chocolate cake, and always went out of her way to make sure everyone felt welcome and cared for in her home. While she was a better cook than she ever gave herself credit for, she also knew the way to her grandchildren’s hearts with simple comfort foods and treats.

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Family and community remained constant cornerstones of Linda’s life, with Christmas being among her favourite times of the year. Traditions loved by both her and her family included the annual gingerbread baking with her grandchildren, taking family to visit the holiday light displays at the Assiniboine Valley Railway where Gil helped run the train, and of course hosting the annual Christmas Eve gathering on Vialoux Drive with the living room bursting at the seams.

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She will be forever loved and missed dearly by her family and all those who were fortunate to be close to her. We were incredibly lucky to have her in our lives. We love you and we miss you.

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In keeping with Linda's wishes, cremation has taken place. A private celebration of her life will be held when it is possible to gather. In the meantime, Liinda’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos and/or sharing your own memories and stories using the comment section on this page.

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In lieu of flowers, please simply take a special moment to express your love to those close to you. If you desire and have the financial means, you can consider a donation in her memory to a charity of your choice.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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