Of strong Norwegian heritage, Linda Marie Grant was born on the family farm in Weldon, Saskatchewan, in 1913. Later, the Grant family moved to The Pas, Manitoba. Linda had two brothers and two sisters and is survived by her dearest sister Alice Cullum, who will turn 100 in December.
After graduating from Teachers’ College, Linda began her career in a one-room school in Northern Manitoba. She met her husband, David Herbert (Bert) Nelson, a handsome Winnipeg Blue Bomber, in The Pas at the local Salvation Army church. Bert and Linda were married for over 60 years and set a powerful example of a loving and affectionate relationship. They had four children: Dorothea (Doug Rae), David (Pat Service), Gwen (Ron McVicker) and Bill (Pat David). For many years, she raised the four lively children while Bert was in the Navy, overseas at war. Linda and Bert eventually settled in Victoria where they were active members of the Salvation Army, the community and the local curling and lawn bowling clubs. Linda had 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. She knew and loved each one individually.
Vitally interested in politics, sports and every member of her family, Linda had words of wisdom for all. She was an incredible baker and thought it important to have fresh oat cakes and butter tarts on hand at all times. For the past 14 years, Linda was Grandma to the many visitors at Linwood House and played an active role in Linwood House Ministries. Linda kept an eye on everyone in the kitchen, ensuring they were well fed and received a heavy dose of love and common sense. Linda enjoyed people visiting her room, chatting about life and sharing her observations from the daily newspaper and recent biography.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Linwood House on Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 1:00pm, 3144 Linwood Road, Roberts Creek, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the registered charity, Linwood House Ministries, PO Box 156, Roberts Creek, BC, V0N 2W0.