Linda Conrad

Linda Conrad's story begins with her parents, Ada and Julius Conrad, who immigrated from Lithuania and made a new life for themselves in Weston, Ontario. They were a hardworking family, blessed with three children: Ronald, Richard, and Linda. Together, they built a wonderful life centered around their family-run bakery, which thrived thanks to the support of relatives.

Growing up, Linda was surrounded by love and guidance, spending a significant amount of time with her grandparents and uncles, all of whom lived nearby. She often helped her grandmother and Ada with daily chores, learning the values of hard work and family bonds along the way. Raised in the Catholic Church, Linda found her spiritual foundation within the community. The family made their home on Dee Avenue, where they established roots and friendships.

Directly across the street lived the Booth family, and it wasn't long before Linda and Lorraine Booth formed a close friendship that blossomed into a deep sisterhood destined to last a lifetime. Linda grew up in a unique neighbourhood defined by the boundaries of five streets, where children could run freely and play all day.

With friends, she would race down the hill, toboggan in the winter, skate on the river, enjoy summer baseball games, and swim in the river even when they were told not to. The flickering streetlights at dusk signalled that it was time to head home. From an early age, Linda was surrounded by animals and always had dogs by her side, one of which would even accompany her to school every day.

She poured her heart into her pets, showering them with cuddles, love, and treats. Family gatherings were a regular affair, with Linda’s extended family often visiting for meals and classic games of euchre. She and her sister Lorraine often found themselves up to mischief, frequently eluding their grandma’s wooden spoon, which served as a humorous reminder of their playful antics. As a teenager, Linda enjoyed riding her small motorcycle and spent countless hours with friends. Her spirit for adventure led her on unforgettable trips to places like Budapest, Hungary, England, Egypt, and Australia. Later in life, she explored New Zealand and Iceland, enjoyed sunny vacations in Florida, and, true to her preferences, she happily avoided camping whenever possible.

In the early 1950s, Linda’s family purchased a charming cottage in Wasaga Beach, where they enjoyed endless summers away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This retreat became a cherished getaway for Derek and Lorraine, who spent many weekends there with their children, Melissa, Maia, and Michael. The Malisanis often joined them, and Linda welcomed Julie and Kate as if they were her own godchildren.

With her generous spirit, Linda opened the doors of the cottage to create a new generation of memories that continue to thrive today. Throughout her life, Linda remained closely connected with Lorraine, and their enduring friendship was beautifully complemented by their role as neighbours.

Linda held a special role as the Godmother to Derek and Lorraine’s three children: Melissa, Maia, and Michael. To them, she was like a second mother, always there to support their activities—whether it was driving them to sports, dance classes, or school pickups and drop-offs. Her affection for them knew no bounds, as she would often spoil them with love and attention. Linda was an integral part of their daily lives, even volunteering as a Girl Guide leader alongside Lorraine, further deepening their connection.

Living at 345 fostered a wonderful sense of community for all of us. We were surrounded by friends and loved ones, building a life rich in love and trust. Our days were filled with countless games of baseball, poolside gatherings, potluck meals, laughter, and cherished memories.

In her professional life, Linda worked at Thrush, Big Al’s, and Bert’s Bees, where she formed lasting friendships with her coworkers that stood the test of time. These bonds added another layer of warmth and support to her life, reflecting the same love she shared with her Godchildren and our community.

Linda was a loving caregiver, devotedly looking after her parents and uncles, and sharing this responsibility with Ronald—affectionately known as Ronnie. She also took on the role of primary caregiver for her lifelong friends, Joe and Magda, who had no one else to turn to in their times of need.

As her Godchildren, Melissa and Michael, welcomed their own children into the world, Linda embraced her role as a doting aunt. She reveled in the joy of spoiling the next generation, creating cherished memories.

Independence and privacy were hallmarks of Linda’s character, yet her generosity knew no bounds. She welcomed everyone with open arms and loved with her whole heart.

In May 2024, Linda received a life-altering diagnosis. In the face of this news, she exhibited a strength that was beyond words. With remarkable courage, she faced her treatment journey head-on. Throughout countless appointments and challenging treatments, Linda went out of her way to ensure that the doctors and nurses felt appreciated; she always took a moment to check on them, lifting their spirits with her smile even as she endured tremendous pain.

Derek and Lorraine cared for Linda daily. They drove her to every appointment, treatment, and follow-up appointment and cooked and cleaned for her when it became too much.

Eventually, Linda was taken to Brampton Civic when the pain became overwhelming, making it unsafe for her to stay at home. Lorraine, Derek, Ronnie, and the rest of the family visited her daily. We would sit by her side, care for her needs, ensure she was comfortable, and remind her she was never alone.

On the day Linda passed, Lorraine was with her, holding her hand and providing solace. In that tender moment, Linda opened her eyes, and Lorraine gently said, "I think today you will see your mom, dad, and Ricky." With those comforting words, Linda closed her eyes one last time and slipped away peacefully, free from pain, still holding her best friend’s hand.

Linda will be deeply missed. We will honour her through the countless memories we've shared and cherish the time we had together.