Linda Jane Griffin

Linda Jane Griffin, (who liked to be called Lindy Lou), was born at Kelowna General Hospital on June 10th, 1948, the eldest child of Fred and Merle Griffin. She peacefully passed away on November 21st, 2020. Linda is survived by her mother, Merle, sisters Janice (Deva), Karlene (Graham), Pauline (Neil), brother Malcolm (Connie), 6 nephews, 4 nieces and 11 great–nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father Fredrick in 1979 and brother Clinton in 1986. Linda was born again into the family of God, trusting the Lord Jesus as her Saviour at the young age of 11.

Despite inherent challenges and limitations, Linda was an overcomer and lived a fulsome life. After finishing Occupational Grade 10 in Kelowna, she worked in various jobs, supporting herself and managing her own finances. Linda lived on her own, was a good cook and loved to bake. She completed lovely embroidery projects and enjoyed knitting, crossword puzzles and word searches. Linda had beautiful handwriting, loved to sing and was an avid reader. She was faithful at keeping in touch with her out–of–town friends by phone and letter and looked forward to sending and receiving birthday and Christmas cards. Linda learned how to drive and enjoyed touring around in her little red Volkswagen, later a Datsun, and finally her brand new 1985 Mazda GLC. While not fond of the snow and fog, Linda continued to drive until shortly after she retired, donating her car with low mileage to a single mother who was in need of a vehicle.

In her 20s, Linda spent a year with her cousin Shirley in Ontario. She found work there and made several friends, some of whom she continued to correspond with until her death. Linda had many good friends, including some of her coworkers at BC Fruit Packers, and she enjoyed going out for coffee, dinners and to concerts with them. She enjoyed listening to Christian and Christmas music, and never missed a Rankin Family concert when they came to town! Linda travelled throughout BC, to California, Hawaii, Eastern Canada and the Maritimes, and went on a Caribbean cruise with her dear friend Maggie to celebrate her 60th birthday.

Linda had an amazing memory and never forgot the birthdays of her friends, siblings, nieces, nephews, great–nephews and great–nieces. She made certain we all received a phone call to hear her sing Happy Birthday on our special day. Linda had a great sense of humour and loved to laugh and joke! She was generous to a fault and bought beautiful gifts for those she loved, including the little children.

During her mid–fifties, Linda survived breast cancer, but following that, her health began to decline. She had several surgeries, which impeded her ability to work and engage in many of the activities she enjoyed. Linda endured significant pain after retiring and was hospitalized many times. In March of 2019, she moved from her small Sutherland Avenue apartment of more than 30 years to Assisted Living at the Village at Mill Creek, which was her home until the time of her death.

We, her family, are grateful for the wonderful care she received while living at the Village and appreciate the kindness of the nursing staff and doctors at Kelowna General Hospital, Cottonwoods Care Centre and Interior Health who consistently provided compassionate care to Linda. We also send heartfelt thanks to the staff at Safeway Pharmacy on Bernard, where Linda knew everyone by name. Special thanks go to Jacki Barbour, the Chaplain at the Village who always made time for Linda and extended kindness and loving support to her during her time living there.

In recent years, and especially during her final days, Linda frequently expressed her desire to go "home" to Heaven. She was ready to meet the one who loved her and gave his life to redeem hers, and we take comfort in knowing that Linda is now at peace in Heaven with Jesus and that her pain and suffering has ended. The family is especially grateful for sister Karlene, who not only was at her bedside daily, singing to Linda, praying with her and giving her massages, but lovingly spent hours meeting Linda's practical needs in the past few years and tirelessly advocating for her when Linda became unable to care for herself.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Red Cross or the BC Cancer Society.

There will be a graveside service at the Westbank Cemetery Monday November 30, 2020 with immediate family only, due to Covid -19 restrictions.

Condolences maybe sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com