Linda Gower

With family by her side, our mother, Linda Clarke Gower (nee DeMorest) passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 10, 2017 at Lisaard House hospice in Cambridge, Ontario. Predeceased in August 2013 by our father, Lloyd Gower, Mom is survived by her children Michele (Michael Hart) of Thornhill, Michael (Tammy Blackwell) of Cambridge and Melanie (Les Perriman) of Ayr, her grandchildren Meaghan Perriman (Bill Kelly) and Jessica Perriman, and by Heather Decker (Will), Lindsay Blackwell and Jennifer Blackwell as well as her great- grandchildren Chase and Bennett Kelly. She is also survived by her brother, Stephen DeMorest (Carole) of Port Perry and sisters-in-law Marilyn Carr (David) of St. Lambert, QC and Diane Dent (Peter) of Hamilton and nieces and nephews residing around the world.

After growing up in Noranda, Quebec, Mom graduated as a nurse from the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal and used her knowledge to tend to our scrapes and scratches and to keep her nurses and doctors on their toes! She worked at Schilling Auto Repair as Bob Schilling’s bookkeeper and general office administrator for many years. Mom was a volunteer extraordinaire starting with Home and School Associations when we were in public school and moving on to numerous other volunteer and appointed positions including running campaign headquarters for the PC party for federal and provincial election campaigns and helping at and being a sponsor of the Truck Convoy for Special Olympics.

With a little help from the kids, Mom and Dad raised sheep on their farm for 12 years, but, to be honest, we all knew that Mom was the farmer of the family! Their lamb was known throughout the region and the farm was the home of parties and barbecues for Canada Day, Father’s Day, political rallies, family celebrations and, finally, Dad’s celebration of life.

Mom loved spending winter months in Fort Myers Beach, Florida where the Canadian flag flew proudly by the dock. She made many friends on Hibiscus Street and everywhere she went. Mom also enjoyed sailing in Europe with Dad and captain, Lonny Holland.

Mom was an avid sports fan and loudly supported her Blue Jays, Maple Leafs and NASCAR’s Jimmy Johnson. The most watched channels on her TV were TSN and Sportsnet. She loved to watch curling, both in person and on television. She was proud of her grandfather, A.E. Stephenson, having competed in the Men’s Canadian Curling championship in 1932 and then being inducted into the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame in 1974 as a builder.

Our family would like to thank the staff of Medical Day Clinic at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, Agnes and Becky of the Paramed Nursing staff and the fabulous nurses, PSWs, doctors, support staff and volunteers of Lisaard House hospice.

Cremation has taken place. Per our mother’s wishes, there will not be a funeral. A celebration of Mom’s life will take place on Sunday, July 16 at Grand Valley Golf Club, 1910 Roseville Road, Cambridge from 1:00 – 4:00 PM. Remembrances will begin at 2:00.

To honour Mom’s life, donations to Lisaard House hospice, Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Then, toast Mom by raising a Coors Lite or a glass of Pinot Grigio!