Linda Maxine Benson

With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we announce the passing of Linda Benson (nee Katz). Linda left us peacefully after a brief illness, surrounded by the love of her family.

Linda will forever be in the hearts of her husband Jack, a devoted and loving husband of 58 years, her daughter Sheri (Aaron), and her son Steve (Jacalyn). Her legacy lives on through her five grandchildren: Cassie (Dan), Lauren, Alanna (Dakota), Ryan, and Riely, and beloved great-grandmother to Everly, Mason, Paisley, Norah, Ronan and Briar. Linda will be cherished by her niece Jenn, and her great-nieces Lexi, Kaitlyn, and Kiera.

Linda is survived by her sisters Anne and Lori (Glenn and niece Andrea), and brothers Rick (& Family) and Glen (& Family).

For over 30 years, Linda dedicated herself to the McMaster University community. Linda’s stellar career as an administrative health care professional in various campus settings began in the late eighties. Linda began working at Student Health Services in 1989, where she enjoyed greeting, serving and caring for thousands of McMaster students and athletes like they were her own. Linda had a keen eye for patients in need, and was able to utilize her intuitive nature and quick decision making capabilities to ensure everyone was seen by the right professional in a timely fashion.

Linda spent time in the Faculty of Engineering throughout her years at McMaster, working with many faculty members, graduate students and professionals from various backgrounds.

Linda was hired at the original McMaster Sports Injury clinic located in the old Ivor Wynne Centre in 2002, and soon became the glue that held everyone together. Linda ensured all aspects of the clinic ran smoothly and efficiently, and was beloved by all of the student athletes, coaches, physicians, therapists, allied health care professionals and her colleagues throughout the Department of Athletics and the University as a whole. Linda was extremely instrumental in helping grow the clinic into the incredible multidisciplinary centre that it is today, which is now know as the David Braley Sport Medicine and Rehabilitation Centre. Her outstanding commitment earned her the President’s Award in 2010, a testament to the sincere impact she had on so many people.

Linda officially retired from McMaster in the spring of 2013, but continued to stay involved in a number of consulting projects and part-time casual appointments both in Student Health Services and in the Department of Kinesiology. She has been a dedicated supporter and donor of the McMaster Physical Activity Centre of Excellence (PACE) for several years supporting special programs and fundraising initiatives in support of special populations including patients with spinal cord injuries, cancer, multiple sclerosis and other conditions. Linda’s generosity will always be remembered, as her work with the Foundation for Human Development has made a true difference in the lives of others and is so very appreciated by all of lives she has changed forever.

Linda will be deeply missed and remembered for her passion, warmth, kindness, and love she shared to the countless lives she touched. We would like to thank Dr. Lewis and Trish at St. Joseph Hospital for their care and compassion in Linda’s final moments.

Following Linda’s wishes, a cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held September 14th from 3-6pm for further details please go to dignitymemorial.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lung Association of Canada or the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

Love Forever