Linda Jane Blanchet

On November 24th, 2023, Linda Jane (Munro) Blanchet passed away peacefully while surrounded by her loved ones. Linda was a beloved mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend and was a bright light to anyone lucky enough to know her. Linda is survived by the love of her life, her husband Paul; her children, Matt and Monique; her mother, Anne Munro; siblings Bruce (Jeannie) Munro, Sandi (Jay) Wollenberg, and Bob (Lori) Munro; as well as her much-loved nieces, nephews, and in-laws . Linda was predeceased by her father, Don Munro.

Born on September 22nd, 1956 to Don and Anne Munro in Kamloops, BC, Linda spent much of her childhood in nature, where she fell in love with adventure and the world around her. Whether she was getting her Gold Cord in Girl Guides, commanding a field hockey game, or simply bagging rays (sunbathing), Linda was always happiest outdoors. Linda was an avid camper and runner and a skilled and passionate skier. She was known for her love of the mountains and a good champagne powder day. She came by it honestly, as her father, Don, was one of the original founders of Tod Mountain (known now as Sun Peaks). When she wasn’t outside or on the slopes, Linda immersed herself in music, playing trombone in her high school pep band (with Paul) and singing whenever she had the chance.

As a young adult, Linda moved between Kamloops and Vancouver, BC while working for Weststar Timber and attaining her private pilot license. Linda loved to fly, especially if it was on a trip to watch the Reno Air Show with her pilot buddies turned lifelong friends. Linda later attended the University of British Columbia, graduating with a degree in International Relations. It was around this time that she reconnected with Paul, who quickly became her husband and partner in life and in love.

Linda and Paul originally met in Junior High, where Linda became fast friends with one of Paul’s sisters, Diana. It wasn’t long before Linda and Paul had a friendship of their own—one that was built to last a lifetime. When the two got together as adults, it was clear that they were meant to be together. Paul and Linda made friends and memories wherever they went. Their shared love of travel and adventure brought them to the USA, where their next venture began: parenthood.

Already a loving and supportive spouse, friend, and family member, it was no surprise that motherhood came naturally to Linda. She instilled a deep love of family and a passion for music in her children from a young age, supporting their dreams and talents in every way she could. Linda loved any moment she got to share with her kids, whether it was reading to them, watching them perform, or diving into deep and thoughtful conversation as they got older, Linda was always seen with a wide smile, beaming with pride over Matt and Monique.

The new family of four continued to explore their new digs in Atlanta, Tampa, and then Kansas City, all the while growing wonderful lifelong friendships both through Paul’s work and Linda’s full engagement in her Beta Sigma Phi sisterhood. When the decision was made to move their family back to BC, Linda attained her BC real estate license and hit the ground running as a real estate agent in Vancouver and later in Kamloops. Linda and Paul were thrilled to move back to Kamloops, where Linda’s business excelled, and they were able to raise their children surrounded by close family and friends.

Linda was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease at age 56. She, with Paul and her family, embraced the reality of their “new normal”. Together, they became loud advocates for the dementia cause in BC, working closely with the Alzheimer’s Society of BC and providing support to others affected by dementia, all while experiencing it herself. For their advocacy work and outstanding, selfless contribution to their community and to Canada, Linda and her husband Paul were awarded the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award in 2016. Linda bravely lived with the progression of the disease, never once complaining, and continuing to be a safe haven and a source of light for anyone lucky enough to be in her orbit.

Linda spent her last years living at Kamloops Seniors Village, where she quickly became a much-loved resident. Linda’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the team at Kamloops Seniors Village for the outstanding care that Linda received and the kindness and support shown to their family through the years.

Linda will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and all those lucky enough to have known her. She will be forever remembered for her unmistakable laugh, love of life, and forever selfless heart.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Linda on Saturday, December 9th, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM, at the Delta Hotel (540 Victoria St, Kamloops, BC ) in Kamloops BC. This will be a casual, drop-in-style event to share memories and celebrate Linda. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of BC in Linda’s name would be appreciated and will provide support to those and the families of those still living with dementia.

http://joinbc.alzheimer.ca/site/Donation2?df_id=2880&mfc_pref=T&2880.donation=form1

Those visiting from out of town can reserve hotel accommodations through this link:

https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1701207751202&key=GRP&app=resvlink