Grandma and Friends
Linda Marie Nelson, affectionately known to many as Grandma, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning in her beautiful bedroom at Linwood. Of course, the Christmas lights were shining and the family was present. She said earlier in the day, “I am so sorry I am going to miss Christmas this year.” She knew that soon she would be in a better place, even better than Linwood at Christmas.
My mother loved each and every one who passed through her doors, especially her friends from the Downtown Eastside. She enjoyed listening to their life stories and answering their many questions about her life. She would encourage them, love them, and often give some tough words of advice. Grandma is regarded as an elder by the many First Nations women that come to the Journey at Linwood (a 3 day retreat) and her words of wisdom were always appreciated.
She told them about her time in the Far North teaching in a one room school, about her hardships and her joys. She shared recipes and always reminded them of their potential. She told them how blessed they were to live in such an amazing country with so many opportunities.
Grandma is going to be missed, certainly by her family, and also by the many guests at Linwood. But we did have her for just under 99 years and she only spent one full day in bed unable to move! Thank you God for your amazing grace that is present and does fill every gap in time.
My prayer is that her legacy of unconditional love, acceptance, and PRESENCE will spur us on to continue the work of Linwood House Ministries and keep Grandma, my mother’s memory alive.
Dear Gwen, Ron, Dorothy, Doug, and family,
We feel so very blessed that we were able to meet Grandma and spend time with her in her special suite while she shared news articles, stories & pictures...as with many, many others she made a huge impression! Grandma’s wit, intelligence, her deep love for her handsome Bert were so openly shared in her typical friendly & loving manner, she made you feel that you were important to her and that she loved you too! She will be missed and remembered so very fondly! Please know that you are in our thoughts & in our prayers.
All Our Love & God’s Blessings Darren & Teresa
Posted by: Darren & Teresa Hauca | November 23, 2011 at 05:45 PM
I had the pleasure of meeting Grandma when our street ministry came for a retreat over 10 years ago. I was amazed by her then and continued to be amazed as I ended up moving to Gibsons and heard about her often. You were so blessed to have such a God fearing woman in your lives for so long!! Praise the Lord for her ministry and may she rejoice in being home with Him now!
God bless your family as you miss her and may you be patient until you see her again!
Posted by: Sandra Cunningham | November 22, 2011 at 10:46 PM
We are so sorry to receive this news, but also so glad to have met Grandma while we could. We celebrate her life with you, and grieve with you in your loss. Thank you for sharing Grandma with us. God's peace be yours. Mark & Daryl
Posted by: Markus | November 22, 2011 at 09:49 PM
Dear Gwen and family,
My heart goes out to you as you grieve the loss of Grandma! She was such an amazing woman and I have fond memories of her hugs and baking from our visits to Linwood House. She will definitely be missed by all.
Doris
Posted by: Doris Beck | November 22, 2011 at 02:28 PM
oh she was such a wonderful woman! she will be greatly missed by all. Blessings to you all as you celebrate her life sat.
Love Marilyn Clark
Posted by: Marilyn Clark | November 22, 2011 at 02:06 PM
Oh she will be missed, my brief encounter with her left a deep mark on me, I have shed tears for you all as I know how indelible her imprint on your lives must be.
Posted by: HeidiRenee | November 22, 2011 at 12:17 PM
Peace and love to your family. Grandma Linda's love and daily dose of common sense will continue to be shared through your ministry.
Posted by: JanaDiebel | November 22, 2011 at 08:55 AM
Dear Gwen, Ron & extended family
My heartfelt thoughts & prayers for you at this time of Grandma Linda's passing. I have such fond memories of her from my growing up & seeing her visit Camp or the Vancouver Temple.
Trusting that you know God's peace & comfort through this time of loss. Best wishes - Catherine Hoe Eriksen (Ernie & Faith Hoe's daughter).
Posted by: Catherine Hoe Eriksen | November 21, 2011 at 08:21 PM
So sorry for your loss. Would that every family be so fortunate to have such a wonderful matriarch for so long.
Praying peace...
Posted by: Erin Wilson | November 21, 2011 at 06:27 PM