Obituary of Linda Susan French
After a brief but aggressive bout of lung cancer, Linda Susan French (1947-2017) passed away in her sleep with her husband at her side. The vivacious Newfoundlander was the quintessential life of the party, a colourful and feisty redhead most of her teen years, on her deathbed, she had a purple streak in her hair that matched her glittery toe nail polish. Growing up in Gander, Newfoundland, but eventually migrating to Ontario, she’d always correct someone if they called her an Upper Canadian. “My duckie, I’m from The Rock.” Linda loved animals, especially Scottish Terriers. Knowing this, her friends often gave Linda Scottish Terrier gifts: Scottish terrier placemats, shower curtain, towels, handbags, earrings, pillows, soaps, glasses - Terriers were everywhere in her precious cottage-home full of mementos, family pictures and knick-knacks in a house she lovingly called ‘Loose Chippings’. Linda discovered this name while on a trip to Ireland with Jimmy, her friend from St. John’s whom she talked to every day. During their trip, the duo kept seeing the phrase ‘loose chippings.’ They were halfway across Ireland before they discovered that it referred to the little bits of pavement cracking off the road. The smallest things had meaning for Linda. Linda will live forever in every heart that she touched, in every smile, and laugh; in every bit of bling and shoes; family and friends. She is not here physically anymore, but we will see her in these reminders. She will also want to see us all. “I wouldn't miss the chance,” says sister Donna-Lee. Donna-Lee writes:
Of Linda we can say, no harp or a halo for me.
I'll take a trip to a place where the wine is all free near the fast rolling sea;
where French's Cove beckons and family dear will meet;
where shoe stores are on every corner and every designer sets up for free.
Linda leaves behind husband Robbie; sister Donna-Lee and brother-in-law David; brother Marc and sister-in-law Chris; daughter Melanie; and nephew and niece Sean and Tasha. In our hearts she will never grow old or be sick or see any more sorrow or pain. We love you. A giant thank you to the 5th floor Thoracic and 7th floor Oncology teams at Victoria Hospital in London. Linda knew every doctor and nurse by name. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Linda are asked to consider the Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Centre, which was a favourite of Linda’s.
