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Linda Anetha Forde
February 9, 1947 - August 5, 2021
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<div itemprop="description">On February 9, 1947 Linda Anetha Forde was born to Ethilind Forde (a domestic worker) and Herbert Harding (a mason) in the southern coast of Christ Church, Barbados. Growing up she was the child that loved the company of family. She adored spending time with her half siblings and many cousins over the course of her childhood. She attended St-Lawrence girls school, where she was a good student and fostered long-lasting relationships with her teachers and friends. <br> <br>Linda faced a big life challenge in her late teen years, by taking on the role of motherhood. She could not pursue her formal education any further. She developped a strong work ethic at a young age to take care of her beloved first-born Eleanor. She began working at Divi Southwinds Beach Resort. It was there that Linda honed her people skills while working at the hotel. Her knack for organization, punctuality, and her meticulous need for order all were derived from her experiences while employed. This is what lead to her advancements in becoming head supervisor to all the maid staff. <br> <br>However, her life was forever, changed when she made two encounters; one being Kester Savoury an employee at the hotel, and Mr. & Mrs. Schmidt, German guests who were vacationing in Barbados. Linda was quite fond of Kester and their relationship grew with time. Eventually they had a daughter Sheryl. Linda now having two children needed to provide for her family. She was approached by the Schmidts and was asked to come work for them in Canada. It was a difficult decision to make having to leave her daughters behind but she took a leap of faith and accepted the offer. In 1975, Linda officially became a Canadian citizen. She adjusted to her new surroundings, culture, and cold climates. Her newfound occupation and joy was raising the Schmidt boys from infancy: Marc, Andrew, and Patrick whom she loved as her own. <br> <br>Disappointment and tragedy were not exempt from Linda’s story. She had to cope with a failed marriage, but also received word that her daughter Eleanor had drowned in Barbados. This event left a huge void in her heart. Nothing could prepare her for the loss of a child. It was her strong will and faith in God that allowed her to persevere. Three years later after her daughter’s death, Linda rejoiced in the birth of her son, Dwayne. It was Linda’s purpose to reunite her family and she did just that. Now with both her children under one roof in Montreal, she continued to work hard and provide the best she could for them. <br>At this time Linda developped a new working relationship with the Sofia family; that blossomed into a life-long friendship with Giuliano Sofia, Kamilia Kamal, and Claudia Sofia and her beloved Natalina Sofia (deceased). <br> <br>Her outgoing nature and love for people flourished. Not only was she devoted to her family but to her faith and fellowship to those at St-Barnabas Anglican church in Pierrefonds, QC where she was a member for over 40years. She proudly sang alongside her son in the senior choir. Singing hymns was Linda’s ministry and passion. She leaves behind her daughter Sheryl and son Dwayne, her son-in-law Stephen and grandchildren: Kayla, Myles, and Kaliah and her great grand-daughter Neveah, who she loved dearly. <br> <br>Linda was the source to her family history. The wealth of knowledge she possessed of who we are and where we came from is gone with her. She will be sorely missed by a host of other relatives and friends worldwide and to the many people she graced with her genuine, no nonsense attitude and down-to-earth presence. Her contagious laughter and infectious smile, and vivacious spirit will live on. She is surely singing in God's heavenly choir. <br>May she rest in eternal peace, and rise in glory. <br> <br>The viewing will take place at Rideau Memorial Gardens on September 3, 2021 from 6-9pm for all who wish to pay their respects. And a private service will be held for the immediate family on September 4, 2021 at 11am (a live streamed webcast will be made available for those who wish to view the service online.) A huge thank you is extended to the doctors and medical staff of St-Mary’s, The Jewish General, and Lakeshore General Hospital. As well as the directors and caregivers at Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence. <br> <br>Memorial Service <br>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KE1HeoNyhy8 <br> <br></div>