Linda Merlene Eaton
It is with broken hearts that we
announce the sudden passing of Linda Merlene Eaton on Thursday,
January 28, 2021 at the Moncton Hospital. Linda was born October 9,
1947 in Charlottetown, PEI the eldest daughter of the late Gladys
(Powell) and Robert Downe.
Linda was a bright, energetic,
athletic child, always ready for adventure and a great older sister.
Linda’s later success as an entrepreneur could be attributed
to her childhood where as the eldest she was responsible for helping
with several household tasks, traveling by bike to pay bills and
caring for her siblings, who she always had in tow. These early
characteristics were reflected throughout her personal and
professional life. From her early career as a loans officer with Bank
of Montreal and CIBC in PEI and NB to creating a successful business
(Argus Hearing) with her husband Leigh. For several years, Linda
received several sales awards in the hearing industry. All while
raising her children, Linda went on to earn a degree from Mount
Allison University in mid life just for the love of learning, while
also serving on various community boards and volunteer organizations
including the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, IODE, Crossroads for
Women, 100 Women Who Care, the Hillsborough Fashion Gala in support of
cancer, and in Rotary, being the first female member in the Moncton
area. Linda’s impressive work ethic and already busy
schedule didn’t prevent her from also teaching Religious
Studies at Crandall University and Mount Allison and also getting
involved in all levels of politics. Linda believed in supporting
female entrepreneurs and one way she contributed was by teaching a
mentoring course through ACOA. While at Mount Allison,
Linda’s thesis, “Women in the Baptist Tradition”,
obviously made quite an impression as she was invited to York
University to present it.
Linda was the family social
director, a role she both loved and excelled at while organizing
elegant family dinners, Christmas gatherings, including Christmas in
July, numerous birthday celebrations, alligator farm outings, day
excursions in Florida and countless trips to Disney World. In her
retirement, Linda continued to enjoy travelling the world with her
husband Leigh. They had the “Love Story” for the ages and
spent many wonderful years enjoying their waterfront winter home near
Cocoa, Florida. When her children were young, Linda had equally
enjoyed organizing trips to PEI for their children in a blended
family, which included a pop up camper in tow and propane barbeque;
nothing was ever too much work. She always looked forward to visits
with her adored grandchildren who spent many days with their
grandmother swimming in the backyard pool and later enjoying outdoor
activities at the shore in Pointe-du-Chene. Linda’s
grandchildren and most recently her great-grandson will all tell you
that they loved making cookies with Gram. Friends and family will
agree that Linda made the best homemade rolls ever…period! And add
those to her incredible roast dinners and notable desserts that many
will remember.
No one was ever bored in
Linda’s company whether the discussion was the latest local,
national or international political issues, organizing future trips
and family events or developing a plan to attend local theater or a
new restaurant. Linda was incredibly close to her younger sister,
Barb, spending most of their Christmases together and engaging in
numerous day adventures in the Maritimes and Florida as well as
exploring the world. While they never agreed on anything politically,
they eternally demonstrated the bonds of sisterly
love.
Much to the chagrin of her
family, Linda had an unhealthy love for April Fools Day pranks.
Unbeknownst to her, in her later years, they all pretended to be
fooled (except for Heidi who was genuinely fooled). Linda had a talent
for story telling, on a whim or otherwise, and much to of the
amusement of her family. She loved a good laugh and Leigh and
Bill’s humour were always there to accommodate. Words cannot
express the delight of her family of being continuously updated of the
comings and goings of the Royal Family. Linda had more royalty stories
than HELLO! Magazine. Linda lived her life fully with a penchant for
designer clothes, jewelry, gourmet meals, Hallmark movies, and most of
all her much loved family.
Linda is survived by her loving
husband of 45 years, Leigh, son Bill (Norma), daughter Heidi
(Westley); step-sons Goldwyn and Darren (Janice), step daughter Tammy;
sister Barbara Downe-Wamboldt (Roger), Dartmouth, brothers Bob Downe
(Lorraine), Rick Downe (Patricia), Victoria; grandson Stephen
(Monica), Oakville, granddaughter Sascha, grandson Wyatt Stagg,
granddaughter, Jessie Stagg; great grandson Malakhai, great
granddaughter Shylo; nieces Barrett Wamboldt, Halifax, and Victoria
Downe, nephew Nathaniel Downe.
Funeral arrangements have been
entrusted to Fergusons Funeral Home, 1657 Mountain Road, Moncton
(858-1995).
Due to the current pandemic a
Celebration of Life service will be held at a later
date.
In lieu of flowers, the family
requests that donations in Linda’s memory be made to the
Canadian Cancer Society, the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity
of choice. Online condolences for the family may be shared on
Fergusons Funeral Home Facebook page or at
www.fergusonsfuneralhome.com
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Linda Merlene Eaton 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Moncton, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick