Linda Cochrane

Linda Christine Cochrane (nee Lewis)

December 7, 1956-December 23, 2024

Linda passed away at Parkland Residences after a brave and courageous battle with Glioblastoma cancer. Linda was 68 years old. She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Greg, and sons Jim, David (Meghan) and her father Viggo (Lou) Lewis.

She will be missed terribly by her sister Deborah Gray (Brian), David Lewis (Jane) and Rob Lewis (Anita). She will always be remembered as a kind and generous aunt to her nephews Thomas, Robert, Ted (Jen) and her niece Laura (Jakob).

Born in Belleville, Ontario, Linda loved family life, especially her grandparents. She had many friends growing up and to this day, they were a strong support for Linda during the past years. 

Her friendships were deep and varied, from her grade school classmates to her MBA crew, the Naples Florida girls and the many friends she met with her husband Greg during their travels and his career. We thank all her many friends who visited her regularly during these difficult times.

Linda was an achiever, completing her MBA in 1979 from Queen’s University, and then a successful marketing career with Colgate Palmolive in Toronto until 1988 when her first son, Jim, was born.

Jim needed extra care, so Linda threw all her energy and resources to ensure Jim would develop into the wonderful man he is today.

Linda was an advocate for people with special needs. She and Jim would speak to 3rd and 4th year University of Toronto medical students about the challenges and joys of caring for patients with Down Syndrome and other special needs.

She gave her time, talent & treasures to many organizations including the Association for Community Living, as well as being a support for over 30 families who were dealing with special needs children.

Outside of her family and her support for charities, Linda had many interests including music, fitness, food, as well as design & fashion. Linda was always prepared, planned things out, and was rarely surprised. You just knew things were going to be done well if Linda was in charge.

Linda was the organizer of her MBA reunions for over 40 years. She used to say “these guys run big companies, but they can’t organize themselves to book a room for homecoming.” The answer was simple; they knew Linda would take care of everything…they just had to show up.

After her mother, Jane, passed away in 2017, Linda became the family matriarch, especially at the cottage in Barry’s Bay, which she loved so much and made wonderful memories with all her family.

A private family service will be held early January 2025. A celebration of life will take place in the Spring. A notice of the celebration will be posted in this site prior to the date.

If you would like to express condolences to the family, funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Ward Funeral Home. You may visit Linda’s memorial page at www.wardfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, we would be grateful if you donated to the Down Syndrome Association of Toronto, The Dorthy Ley Hospice or the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. We thank you for your kindness.

The family thanks all the special care providers who helped us and Linda through this difficult journey, including Dr. Warren Mason & Dr. Breffni Hannon at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and the caring support of Anita Stern and Dr. “M” at the Dorthy Ley Hospice and the wonderful people at the Parkland Residences.

Life on the dock won’t be the same without you, Linda.

Donate to Down Syndrome Association of Toronto

Donate to Dorothy Ley Hospice

Donate to Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation