Lynn Marie Walter

Lynn Marie Walter (Leonard) died at the age of 68 in her home in Peachland, BC, on the morning of November 30, 2022. She was surrounded by family in the place she loved. Lynn died after a short but fierce battle with cancer. She was amazing.

Lynn is survived by her husband of 50 years, Mike, her daughters, April (Todd) and Cara (Allan), her grandchildren, Jordan, Zach, Patricia and James, her sisters, Pat, Sandy (Al) and Jerri (Bill). As well as nieces, nephews, great nieces, & great nephews, and many extended family members. She was amazing.

A Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends at a later date.

Dear Mom,

Been trying to think of the words to describe your life. The impact you made on those who knew you. The love and admiration that your family and friends had for you. The words don't come. There are so many memories, so many of the sayings you had and thoughts coming to mind when I think about you, but the words they don’t come. Your life was too short. Cancer came and took you so quickly, there was barely time to catch our breaths. I did the math, from the time you were diagnosed with lung cancer to the day you left us was less than 252 days. Barely 7 months from the day you and dad had taken April out for coffee or when Al and I came over for drinks. We should have seen the bad news in your eyes when the first thing you did was offer us a drink. It all happened so fast. We all knew you were scared, even through your fear and apprehension, you were positive.

You went into battle. You believed that surgery was the best chance. You were a trooper when the medical team removed a portion of your right lung. You fought through the pain and the discomfort from the surgery. You were determined to get back out on Beach Ave for your morning walks. To go back to your routine, your normal.

Your body fought the cancer. You did all the right things. Once you recovered from the surgery and your body was stronger you took on chemotherapy. Through discomfort, dry heaves, weakness, and pain, you continued. You ate right, even though food changed and nothing tasted right. You exercised as much as you could. Took walks as far as you could. Taking in the lake and the scenery of the town you loved living in. You took the medications they gave you. Went for all the tests that were required. Did everything you could to extend your time with your family. You said you were going to live to 100. Wanted your name on the news. Cancer took that away from you.

In October, you told us that the cancer was everywhere. There was no point in preparing for radiation, it couldn’t stop the cancer. We needed to start preparing for the end. For the day you would be leaving us. You didn’t want to tell everyone. You were trying to protect everyone. You were scared that you’d bring up bad memories for those in the family that had lost others to cancer. You didn’t want to see everyone sad. You were always looking out for us.

I had the pleasure and the delight of seeing you every day. Time I will treasure forever. We had daily “lessons”. You would teach me things on the computer to make sure dad was taken care of. To make sure dad’s family home and siblings were taken care of. You told me stories and things to tell or ask your sisters about. Gifts for grandnieces or grandnephews. Where you hid things from dad that he’ll need or want to see later. You reminded me daily to be kind. To remember that you loved April and I with all you had. Loved your grandkids with every breath you had. Loved dad and all his faults. You told me daily that dad hates change, but he can adjust; he will need time, but he’ll be okay.

You asked us all to watch over your sisters. To make sure Jerri doesn’t feel left out and tell her how much you loved her. That she needs to be with Bill and not to feel bad about not being here. To tell Sandy how amazing she is, how she appreciated how much time Sandy took out of her everyday life to be here to take care of you and Pat. You were relieved when Pat’s health started to get better. You always said that Pat was your best friend and you couldn’t imagine not living or being with her.

Since you passed away, we all have been receiving messages from your friends and family with their memories of you. You would be amazed at how many people loved you. All the lives you touched. Christmases and Easters will never be the same, no more waiting for the mail to come, for our chocolate bunnies or Santa Clauses.

The memories are vast. They come in waves. The flood feels like it will drown us at times. You touched so many.

Car trips to see your cousins in Calgary when you were a kid. Trips to the island. Cassidy dinner jackets. Fight nice. Be nice to your sister, you may need her kidney one day. Be kind. Thank you for the fish. Answer is 42. What does the cover of the book say? Don’t panic.

You were amazing.

You will be missed. You will be missed by dad. You will be missed by April and I. You will be missed by your grandchildren. You will be missed by your sisters. You will be missed by your son-in-law (s), your brother and sister-in-law (s), your nieces and nephews. You will be missed by your friends. Your friends that you made family. Your extended family. And your co-workers. There is not a person that knew you that was not touched by your love, kindness, compassion, friendship and laughter.

There is not a day that will go by that you will not be on our minds. It was a pleasure to be part of your journey.

With all we are, we love you mom.

She was amazing.

“thanks for the joy that you've given me

I want you to know I believe in your song

rhythm and rhyme and harmony

has helped me along

and making me strong.”

(the Doobie Brothers – “Gimmie the Beat Boys”)

September 5, 1954 - November 30, 2022