Linda Agnes Goddard

LINDA AGNES GODDARD
(nee Smith)

On Thursday September 3, 2015 Linda passed away peacefully surrounded by her husband Dean and daughters Gillian and Roberta at the age of 77.

Cherished and forever loved by her grandchildren Devin, Lauren, Heather, Riley and Andrew. Nana had infinite love, patience, creativity and respect for her greatest blessings, her grandchildren. She was so devoted to these five marvelous souls and left them each with their own special relationship of memories.

Linda was born to Wesley & Camlet Smith and was raised at Raedene, Beckles Rd in St. Michael’s, Barbados. At an early age, she naturally assumed the maternal role of Memo to her family of six brothers and sisters - Noel, Don, Ray, Nola, Wayne and Sparky.

Linda was committed to providing the best for her young family and together with Dean they left the warmth of family in Barbados and immigrated to Montreal in the winter of 1966. They left Montreal due to political unrest and eventually settled in a brown-bricked bungalow on Alexandria Crescent in Bramalea where they resided until Linda's untimely death. Her gardening skills are still evident at this home.

We came across a note amongst Linda’s possessions. She said that one of her proudest moments was becoming a Canadian citizen. Her citizenship photo shows Linda with no makeup, a haircut of her own doing, a green dress she made and a pearl necklace and earrings. Linda was a proud Canadian.

Never one to look for handouts, Linda's University of Oxford credentials landed her a job at Northern Telecom (Nortel). Her long and successful career with Nortel left her with many friends and acquaintances. Without fail anywhere we went, a warm voice would say "hello Linda" and a conversation ensued from from the many people who crossed her path.

Linda/Mom/Nana was a lady of principle, a lady of faith. In her family bible, she noted "The Kind of Love My Shepherd Is", "Make Me A Channel Of Thy Peace", "Guide Me O Thy Great Redeemer" and "Country Road Take Me Home" as favourite musical pieces. The poem "Desiderata" was a standard verse in our home growing up. Maybe you can find comfort in singing, reading or listening to these selections.

Our mom was graceful with everyone. We will always be in awe of her fortitude and steadfastness. Everything she did or said came from a place of love. She made her way through life courageously, never feeling sorry for herself, finding grace in the small things and always going forward, no matter what.

We are forever blessed by her presence in our lives. We do our best to endure her loss. It is said grief is the last act of love we have to give to those we loved. Where there is deep grief, there was great love.

Linda/Mom/Nana will always be remembered, and deeply loved.