It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our mom and grandma, Linda Mae Breton, on January 10, 2025 at the age of 78. Linda’s final moments were spent with her daughter by her side, singing some of her favorite songs.
Born in 1946, in Haileybury Township, Ontario, Linda was the second youngest child and was fiercely protective of her little brother, Bruce. Although the two had lost contact in their later years, Mom always spoke so fondly of Bruce. She was thrilled when he reached out to her via social media in late 2023. The two spent countless hours reminiscing about their youth and the trouble that often found them.
Linda moved to Winnipeg in 1968 where she met Patricia (Pat) Anderson, and the two became very close. The Andersons readily adopted Linda into their family, which gave her a place to call home when she was lonesome for her own family. She often spoke of the many memories they created and loved her chosen family very deeply. Linda’s favorite memories included listening to the Anderson boys playing the old country songs on guitar in the living room at Grandma Anderson’s home near Ebb and Flow.
She was the first in her family to graduate university and was proud to have received her Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Manitoba in 1992. She worked with youth in care for much of her career up until her retirement in 2016 at the tender age of 70 years old. Linda’s legacy will include her devotion to caring for others, her love of those old country hurtin’ songs, and the importance of creating family wherever you call home. She demonstrated this by adopting Angie’s childhood and adulthood friends as her own children, many of whom still call her “Mom” to this day.
Linda’s greatest loves were her two daughters. In 1998, their lives were forever changed by Sherry’s sudden and tragic passing. Throughout the rest of her days, Linda would often be heard reminiscing about Sherry, wondering what she would have accomplished had her life not been cut short, and talking about how proud she was that Angie has continued to honour Sherry’s memory.
Mom was an active member of Bethel Community Church, volunteering countless hours to serve the community as part of the Hospitality Team, Alpha Team, Growth Track Team, and the Care Team. The latter of which gave of their time at St. Amant Centre and Siloam Mission. She felt great joy in sharing stories as well as a laugh or two with people she met, both in church and around town. In fact, it was during one chance meeting at a bus stop of all places that she met Réjeane, who would become one of her closest friends. Thank you Réjeane for introducing Mom to the Bethel Community Church and for becoming part of her chosen family.
In a traditional Chiibi ceremony held in her honour following her passing, Linda was gifted the spirit name Buffalo Woman (Mashkode Bizhiki'ikwe-iban), which she will carry with her on her journey into the Spirit World. Our deepest gratitude to Elders Floyd and Faylene Sutherland and their grandson Dallas Stevenson for sharing their knowledge and support.
Viewing will take place January 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Bethel Community Church, located at 430 Lakewood Boulevard in Winnipeg, Manitoba. A celebration of Linda's life will start at 11:00 a.m. with a short reception to follow. Private family interment to take place after the reception.
Linda’s family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the nurses at Health Sciences Centre Medical Intensive Care Unit, Lucie and Alison, for the kindness and compassion that they gave not only to Linda but also to her grieving family and friends. We would like to thank her Home Care staff - Angie, Paula and Audrey for helping Mom in her daily activities, as well as friends of the family - Stephanie, Carla and Karen for standing with us during this time of deep sorrow.
We extend our gratitude to Reverend Michael Thibert with Health Sciences Centre’s Spiritual Care team, Community Elder Leslie Spillett, as well as Pastor Ed Grant, Pastor Kristjana Hale, and close friend Sonny Ayson, who came to visit Linda and her family to pray and prepare for Linda’s transition to the Spirit World.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Linda’s name to Candace House at 183 Kennedy Street in Winnipeg or to Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit+ (MMIWG2S+) Liaison Unit at 102-1700 Ellice Avenue in Winnipeg. The teams from both organizations have been instrumental in supporting Linda and her family both in life and in the days following her passing. We will be forever grateful to each and every one of you.
