Linda Henrietta Power

Linda Henrietta Power, age 75, passed peacefully away on Sunday, March 2, 2025, in Halifax, Nova Scotia surrounded by family. Linda leaves behind her daughter Kathy Cormier; son, Paul Cormier and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Cormier. She was loved and admired by her 7 grandchildren: Karly and Samantha Stairs; Autumn and Robert Bartha; and Nicholaus, Elisabeth and Peter Cormier.

Born July 4, 1949 and raised in New Waterford, Nova Scotia, Linda was a proud Cape Bretoner and a force from her first day on earth, as each of her many siblings could attest. She will be missed deeply by sisters Mary, Donna, Karen; brothers Danny and Glenn. She was predeceased by parents Raymond Joseph Power and Margaret Mary Power (nee MacIsaac), siblings Daniel, Doreen, Louis, Patricia(Patsy), Raymond and beloved grandson, Nicholaus.

Linda lived her life on her own terms. When faced with terminal cancer, Linda courageously spelled out in very specific detail how she wished to live her last days. These directives were carried out with the support of the Medical Assistance In Dying program.

Linda was exceptionally proud of her children, Kathy and Paul. Both carry on the traits of their mother: hard workers, dedicated professionals, deep seated kindness, but quick tongued when necessary.

Linda attended Mount Carmel High School in New Waterford before graduating from the Camphill School of Nursing in 1968. Her nursing career spanned the South Street Mental Hospital, Grace Maternity Hospital, Victoria General Hospital and Nova Scotia Public Health. She left frontline nursing in 1989 to take a position with the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union going on to serve as Executive Director from 2003 until her retirement in 2009. During her career, Linda became known as a skilled mediator, a woman of her word, voice of reason and a ‘tough as nails’ negotiator.

Linda served on the Nova Scotia Labour Board, Chair of the Public Service Long Term Disability Board of Trustees, Nova Scotia Fallen Police/Peace Officers Memorial Committee and past member of CDHA and Board of Directors for Alice Housing. Linda retired from union life in 2009 but her desire to advocate for others did not stop, instead she sought other avenues to have a positive impact. Under the leadership of Darrell Dexter, Linda made two attempts to seize the Clayton Park West riding without success. This did not slow Linda down. As the next election cycle approached, she threw her support behind the Conservative Party of Nova Scotia, and became a staunch supporter of Premier Tim Houston, serving behind the scenes by guiding several candidates in recent elections.

She also continued to advocate for causes close to heart including healthcare, hospital wait times, and better access to mental health and addictions treatment in Nova Scotia. In 2022, Linda was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in recognition of her significant contribution to community service.

Linda was the first to show up for the party, the first to the dance floor, and the last to leave. She felt energized when meeting new people and people naturally gravitated to her strong personality. Linda had wit and humour which she continued to demonstrate until her final hours.

While Linda’s exterior was tough when it needed to be, her heart was full of pride when it came to her children, and especially her grandchildren. She forged a unique relationship with each, and was known to brag to all her friends about their achievements in hockey, martial arts, soccer, languages or scholastic success. While Linda could, at times, be challenged to follow rules, this often led to the best photos at school events as she elbowed her way to the front row to capture the best photo of her grandchildren.

The family would like to offer sincere appreciation and thanks to Vicki from the MAID program; staff at the Halifax Infirmary who showed great compassion; Linda’s niece Heather for her advice and guidance; life-long friends, Kay and Byron and Rita and Ray for staying at her side; friends Cathy and Marilyn, who checked in on her regularly; sisters Mary, Donna and Karen for their love and support and to the many other close friends who also feel the tremendous loss of Linda in their hearts.

Arrangements have been entrusted to JA Snow Funeral Home with a service planned for Saturday, March 15th at 2 pm with refreshments to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Talbot House in Frenchvale, Nova Scotia. Talbot House -Frenchvale Nova Scotia Canada