Linda Rose Herchak

Linda was the youngest child, and was pre-deceased by her three sisters and three brothers with whom she enjoyed close relationships. When she was eight years old, her family moved to Medicine Hat, then to Calgary when she was 15. Being raised as a child of pioneering parents, and experiencing the realities of the 1930’s shaped Linda’s resilient approach to life. She remained petite and lean, yet tough. She could be at her best in adverse conditions; for example, when she was left alone in mid-life and through three surgeries in her 80’s. Linda volunteered at the CR Unit Smoke & Gift shop of the General Hospital for 20 years, and used this as her resume builder for her first paying job at the Palliser Hotel Smoke Shop. In 1983 she married the love of her life, Matthew Herchak and together they had 10 wonderful years before Matthew passed away. She made friends easily in many situations, such as riding on the same daily Calgary bus and as a member of Central United Church. She kept these friends close throughout her life with much visiting and lively correspondence; this included in later years an amicable exchange of notes and cards with her first husband, Walter Siewert. Her memory was sharp into her final days when she could recall and comment on friends who had written in her autograph books of 1931 and 1933. Linda is survived by one daughter Lynn Marie (Michael Clark); one grandson William James Clark; and a number of nephews and nieces.

The family would like to extend heartfelt a thanks to Dr. Graham Hunter, nurses Roxanne and Tee, and other exceptional staff at Mayfair Care Centre. Also loving thanks to Wilma Clark, church visitor and friend.

A Graveside Service will be held at Rocky View Garden of Peace Cemetery on Friday, June 3, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mayfair Care Centre, (8240 Collicutt Street SW, Calgary, AB T2V 2X1).

Messages of remembrance may be left for the family at www.southcalgaryfuneralcentre.ca