Linda’s Obituary
YOUDEN (Ritchie) Linda Louise ~ It is with great reluctance and broken hearts that we share with friends and family near and far the sudden loss of Linda Louise (Ritchie) Youden, age 72, of Wilmot, N.S., on August 11th, 2021. Linda was a beloved grandmother to James ‘Jimmy’ Haley, mother to Jennifer Youden, and mother-in-law to Christopher Haley, and an integral member of their household. Linda was born in Norwood, Massachusetts, on January 24th, 1949, the firstborn to the late Mary (McCarty) Ritchie of Norwood, MA and Joseph “Gordon” Ritchie of Lunenburg, N.S. She is survived by siblings, Bonnie Ritchie, Todd Ritchie, Martha Ritchie Kinley (Peter), David Ritchie (Wanda), Peter Ritchie (Julia). She was predeceased by brother, Brian “Scott” Ritchie.
Linda lived in Massachusetts, graduating from Norwood High in 1966, followed by study through Bryant and Stratton College in computer programming associated with MIT, during which time she lived with her maternal grandmother, Emma (Kracker) McCarty, her parents and siblings having moved to Mahone Bay, where they had previously spent summers on Sheep Island. Eventually the pull of Nova Scotia and family won, and she moved to Mahone Bay as well, where she got a real estate license and went to work for her father at Ritchie & Hayward Real Estate. Enter RCMP CST. Jim “Rooster” Youden, who gave her a speeding ticket one day… and married her on April 15th, 1973, in the beautiful yellow Anglican Church in Mahone Bay. Jim was transferred a short time later, and they relocated to Kentville where they welcomed their first, and only child Jennifer in 1976. With the establishment of a new RCMP detachment in New Minas, they moved and bought their first home there approximately two years later. Linda worked in and helped manage kitchens in several bars/beverage rooms (The SideTrack- Berwick, JR’s- Kentville, The Anvil -Wolfville) that were owned in the 80’s by close friends. In 1986 the little Youden clan moved for the last time, Jim having been transferred to Kingston, and then Bridgetown. Linda worked in a handful of part-time positions in Bridgetown for the first seven years there; she ran the lunch program at BRES for a year or two, was a cashier at the Bridgetown Pharmacy, and worked both in the snack bar and as a cashier at Graves’ grocery store. In July of 1993 she was widowed, Jim having suffered a heart attack at home. Linda retired and continued to live in Bridgetown until 2012, when suffering with early onset dementia she made the difficult decision to sell her home of 26 years and join her daughter’s household. Linda moved to Wilmot in August 2013 and was diagnosed with Alzheimer Disease soon after. Over the span of the eight years, she resided there her health rebounded as did her spirits; surrounded by cats and dogs, a wild grandson, and all of the colourful family and friends of the household.
She was delighted to realize an extended step-family and is survived by step-granddaughters, Brittany Abramcyzk (Phil) and Meagan Haley (Chad), and step-grandson, Matthew Haley (Alyssa); and step great grandchildren, Blaise, Zuzu and Miko . Linda was often to be found sitting on the deck observing all comings and goings, and ready to give a full report on bird sightings, weather conditions, plant growth or home improvements going on in the neighbourhood. She established herself as a head of household and took domain over dishes and laundry and trying to keep Jimmy in line. We brought her to live with us thinking it was time she be looked after… only to find what she needed most was to look after us. Linda will be remembered best for her beautiful smile, expressive face and easy laughter; her amazing culinary skills and welcome to her table; her sharp wit, and hilarious stories; her authentic conversation, and thoughtful listening; her perceptive eye and kind heart. Linda was immeasurably loved and will be forever missed.
Cremation has taken place. Linda will be laid to rest with her husband in Mahone Bay followed by a private gathering of family and friends in Lunenburg, N.S. In her memory, please make a donation to your local SPCA/Animal Shelter, and in lieu of flowers please plant a tree. Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, toll free 1-855-825-3448. Online guestbook maybe signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Linda Louise Youden January 24 1949 August 11 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Middleton, Province: Nova Scotia