August 15, 1941 - July 9, 2024
With a sadness both deep and profound, we announce the passing of our family’s matriarch, Linda Beebe (nee Shaw): wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, classmate, neighbour, and the thread that binds our world together. Linda died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, mere weeks after an unexpected cancer diagnosis. Her vibrant personality, zest for life, and fighting spirit were with her to the end.
Linda was the eldest child in the Shaw family and grew up in Porcupine Plain, SK. After high school, she left to train as a Registered Nurse at City Hospital in Saskatoon. It was there that she became part of that band of sisters, known always as “my classmates,” who all remain connected to this day. Linda’s career in nursing spanned over fifty years and she held a variety of nursing roles including twenty+ years with the Saskatoon Convalescent Home. Nursing was the perfect career for such a capable, caring, and compassionate woman.
In 1962, just outside the Student Nurses’ Residence, Linda met the love of her life, Jim Beebe. It was spring; by fall they were engaged, and by summer 1963 they were married. Then came their daughter Lisa and sons James and Bryan. There is no closer knit, loving family than ours and that is the result of the unwavering partnership of equals Linda and Jim created. For Linda, family was everything: immediate, extended and far-flung. She always took joy when there was “something to crow about” and never missed a chance to applaud her children’s accomplishments. She doted on her grandchildren and eagerly displayed her love and devotion for them. She was the biggest cheerleader for the entire Beebe/Shaw clan. Linda was our role model for all that is good.
Prairie-proud and a champion of all things Saskatchewan, Linda was an avid historian. A trip to the cottage at Wakaw Lake would often involve side trips to villages and hamlets and abandoned buildings. Countless memories were made at the lake where Linda opened the doors and welcomed everyone. And on the deck, overlooking the water, Linda would regale with family stories, tales of the past, and anecdotes probably better left untold.
Linda had so many talents, abilities and virtues. She was generous beyond measure, opening her home to all and happily feeding a crowd with no notice. She was spontaneous, witty, and a little mischievous. Above all she was a character. Linda enjoyed vacations and travel adventures with Jim and with friends. She visited many far off places including Britain, Europe, Asia, and her beloved Mexico where she and Jim wintered for close to 30 years. Linda was remarkably creative. Everything she touched turned to beauty: her garden, her home, her stained glass, and of course, her quilts. Linda began quilting decades ago and shared her love of the art as an active member of the Saskatoon Quilters Guild and the Modern Quilt Guild. She taught others and bonded with her quilting pals just like she did with her nursing classmates. Once you were Linda’s friend, it was for life.
Linda leaves behind her best friend and husband of 61 years, Jim Beebe, her immediate family: Lisa Cox (Don), Cameron and Hanna; James (Janet), Aaron and Gabrielle; and Bryan (Keri) Parker and Chelsea; as well as sisters Nancy Wilkins (Don), Lorna Shaw-Lennox (Maurice), and sisters-in-law Gwyn Shaw and Rhonda Beebe (Tom Wood). Linda was predeceased by her parents Jack and Velma Shaw and her brother Jim Shaw. Her many nieces and nephews, and their children, will all miss Aunt Linda.
Our lives will forever be enriched by Linda’s adventurous spirit and, although life will seem quieter without her, her love and unconditional support will give us the strength to carry on. Linda will live in our hearts for eternity. Her light will never fade and her legacy of kindness and love will endure.
Sincere thanks to the nurses and health care aides from Palliative Care Services who supported and facilitated our wishes to have Linda spend her last days at home with family.
A celebration of Linda’s life will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, July 22, at Mourning Glory/Acadia Funeral Chapel, 915 Acadia Drive, Saskatoon. Please join the family for refreshments following a brief service. We invite you, in celebration of Linda’s vibrant spirit and joyful life, to wear bright, colourful clothing to the service.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation or the charity of your choice. Or, maybe plant a peony and think of Linda when it blooms.
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