Obituary of Linda Diane Little

It is with profound sadness that the family of Linda Diane Little announce her passing on December 2, 2022 at Joseph Creek Care Village at the age of 71 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's.

 

Linda was born in Kimberley BC to Len and Doreen Little, the eldest of four children. A wonderful daughter, sister, aunt and friend.  A smart,  feisty, compassionate sole.  Sometimes stubborn, yet fearless and kind.

 

As a teenager Linda excelled in all sports whether it was school sports, swimming or skiing.  She was a natural.  She had a smile and laugh that would light up the room.  She liked fast cars, cute guys and strawberry marshmallow candies.  Throughout her teenage years she spent a lot of time in Fairmont as a lifeguard, earning the nickname “slugger.”  She loved to joke around and often finished her conversations with a playful, yet hard, punch to the arm.  She carried that “punch of endearment” right to the end of her life.

 

Life took Linda to Calgary where she lived for over 30 years.  She became an avid hitch hiker to her parents dismay.  It became her mode of transportation getting her home from Calgary to Kimberley in her younger years.

 

Linda worked so hard her whole life.  She worked alongside her best friend June throughout the years, often following her on a new career path. She worked within a collections department at Canada Trust, as a travel agent for many years and within customer service at TD bank. She thoroughly enjoyed her part-time work at General Motors and was so fond of her kind employers.

 

Later in life, Linda found herself working while attending night school in order to gain a certificate, which then lead to her career in the oil and gas industry.  She remained working within the oil and gas industry in administration until the end of her career.  Who knew that hitch hiking would come in handy years later when there was a transit strike in Calgary. Resilient, fearless and determined Linda hitchhiked the entirety of that strike, making many new friends along the way. When asked about it, she would simply state, “I had bills to pay.”

 

Linda loved attending the Calgary Stampede and weekends at Spruce Meadows. She was a big Calgary Flames fan, and was so fortunate to be able to watch her favourite team so many times over the years thanks to her employer.  She also loved watching her nephews play hockey and was their biggest cheer leader. 

 

Linda was a caregiver at heart, and spent so much of her spare time showing her love for people by helping them in any way she could including taking them to appointments, grocery shopping and watching over their children. She considered them all family. 

 

Linda had to leave her job in 2014.  Soon after, to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's.  Her life would change forever.  She spent a short time at Swan Valley Lodge in Creston, B.C. where the resident cat took a liking to Linda.  We still laugh at this, as Linda was not a lover of cats.  She then moved to Joseph Creek Care Village in Cranbrook, B.C., where she adopted her own cat, Sadie.  She lived out her remaining days with her Sadie, who she truly loved and gave her great comfort.

 

Linda will be remembered for her wonderful laugh, her compassion for others, her big smile and her even bigger heart.

 

Linda is survived by her sister Heather, sister-in-law Anne, brother Craig (Katherine).

Nieces and nephews:

Chris (Tori), children Parker and Jordan

Kelly (Zach), children Morgan and Casey

Jeff (Antonia)

Brad (Shelby), children Cassius, Sutter, Hayes

Ryan (Kellie)

 

As well as many other special friends and extended family, especially her dear friend June of 50 years.

 

Predeceased by her parents Len and Doreen Little, brother Rob Little, brother-in-law Bill Herman.

 

The family would like to thank everyone at Joseph Creek Care Village for her wonderful care while living there.

 

There will be no service.

 

Memorial donations in Linda’s honour may be made to the Alzheimer's Society of B.C.