January 28, 1945 – January 28, 2025
Having struggled with the ravages of ALS for the past year Linda chose to bookend her life by “Crossing the Bar” on her 80th birthday.
Linda lived every day to its fullest, filled with Art and Music, friends, family, good food, stimulating conversation, ever exploring new ideas, learning new techniques, making a contribution to her community and travelling to see the world. She was constantly searching to create meaning in her life. In the end she found it. The last day she wrote in her journal. “Came into this world to love and going out with love.”
She contentedly left this world surrounded by family, sharing remembrances, then all joining her son to sing one of her favourite songs, the doctor helped her gently fall asleep as her sister-in-law played Lightfoot and Beetle songs on the Celtic harp. The final act in a wonderful play.
She wrote a poignant quote from R. W. Trommer that says it all. “Nothing prepares us for this. Everything prepares us for this.”
She brought great joy into our lives every day. Linda was predeceased by her parents, Jean and Gordon Smith of Orillia and her older brother Paul(Cheryl) Smith of Vancouver. She is survived by her husband Murray, sons Mark (Alison) of Vernon, BC and Michael (Denise) of Fort Myers, FL, along with grandchildren Brandon and Cassie, as well as her younger brother John (Susan) Smith of Orillia and numerous nieces and nephews.
For the past 60 years Linda has been a practicing Artist. She was a member of and held leadership positions in the Elliot Lake Arts Club, The Northern Ontario Art Association, the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour and the Ontario Society of Artists. She participated in group shows with all these organization as well as numerous group shows across Canada, the United States, in Europe and Japan as well as many solo shows. Her work was sold in a number of galleries across Ontario. Her culminating achievement which spanned the last 20 years was a solo show titled “The War Letters Project”. It was shown in 11 different public galleries across Ontario and was finally documented in a movie she created shortly before her death titled “The Old Tin Box” which can be viewed be visiting her website www.lindafinn.com
Her other passion was Music. She loved to sing. It began with her singing in church choirs. Then she found barbershop; she joined the Northern Stars Chorus, later The Jewels of Harmony, and finally Jewels and Gents. Along the way there were numerous quartet combinations that she enjoyed. She loved to harmonize and the performances helped her build confidence.
She loved living in Elliot Lake. She freely enjoyed giving back to the community by volunteering numerous hours to help various Arts groups organize and promote their activities. Her skills as a designer were used to create posters, guidebooks and promotional materials for many events. She spearheaded many projects to enhance the City by creating Public Art displays that can be seen on the sides of buildings, free standing sculptures at different locations throughout the City. Recently she was honoured by Mayor and Council as volunteer of the year.
The family wishes to thank Doctors Athena and Emery Nelson for their attentive care and a special thank you to Doctor Noemie Robert Lajeunesse for her compassionate manner at the end. Thank you also to Rev. Martha Tatarnic (Linda’s niece) for her kind words and spiritual guidance. Along the journey we are grateful for the care and help we received from the wonderful people at Ontario Health At Home. Life would have been very difficult without their assistance. “Thank you” also to the numerous neighbours and friends who supported us on this difficult journey.
There will be no funeral but the family is planning a Celebration of Life in the spring. In lieu of flowers, tributes can be made by donating to Linda’s favourite cause Elliot Lake’s Public Art Program. Donations can be made online by visiting the secure site created by the City of Elliot Lake.
1.Visit elliotlake.ca/donate
2.Select Public Art Projects
3.Select an amount
4.Make the donation in Memory of Linda Finn
5.Enter contact information
6.Proceed to payment
The city will provide a tax receipt.
You will need to add my email. [email protected]
Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Elliot Lake Funeral Chapel & Cremation Centre (36 Ontario Avenue). Condolences to the family may be shared online at www.elliotlakefuneralchapel.com