Linda Kenney

Linda is survived by her husband Bill; sons: Trevor (Dionne) and Gavin (Laura); grandchildren: Emma, Ethan (Trevor and Dionne) and Liam (Gavin and Laura); and siblings: Eleanor (Ernie), Ted (Liz), Judy (Derek), David (Dede), Jack (Tannis) and Debra, as well as many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her sister Anna, and parents John and Annie Redekop.

Linda came into this world, the fourth of eight children born in Coaldale, to John and Annie. To say she grew up in a bustling household is an understatement, and she learned quickly from her parents the values of hard work and independence, supported by love and family. While still in high school, she met a hotshot basketball player at a Friday night dance in the Coaldale Community Hall. Bill actually lived just a few blocks away. They soon became an item, and after three years of dating, married at Southminster United Church in 1966 and began their new life in Lethbridge. For 57 years, they supported and loved one another through both good times and bad, with the good always winning out.

She gave birth to her first son, Trevor, in 1967, and then Gavin in 1975. She kept the most immaculate house and, having learned self-reliance growing up, annually cultivated a bountiful vegetable garden — everything was home made.

All the while, she established herself as a first-rate executive assistant. Called a secretary back in the day, Linda was ahead of her time, truly representing how invaluable the best assistants are in a successful organization.

Linda’s work roles included time with the law office of Martin Hoyt, Lethbridge College, Watkinson, Hanhart, Duda, Dorchak Accounting, Young, Parkyn, McNab Accounting and eventually Lethbridge School Division, where she served as the executive secretary to three board superintendents. Upon retirement, her diligence and professionalism carried over to the many volunteer opportunities of which she took advantage, while she and Bill teamed up as a dynamic starter and marshal duo at Paradise Canyon Golf Resort. Bill set golfers up and Linda made sure they were on the clock the whole way around. And if you were lucky enough to play golf with Linda (usually at Land O’ Lakes), you were always treated to the best cookies and snacks along the way.

Linda and Bill spent many winters in Arizona, while summers were spent golfing and meticulously maintaining her gorgeous flower gardens.

From family dinners to parties with friends, nobody put out a better spread than Linda, and when her boys married and brought grandchildren into her life, she was complete. Her greatest gift was the life lessons she taught through everything she did and everyone she touched, and her heart was full with every milestone and every success her family enjoyed.

Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in her early 40s, Linda never wavered, spending 30 years tackling the many challenges her condition threw at her head-on. Only recently did she finally allow others to begin to take the lead on family get-togethers — though she still always asked, “What can I bring?”

While our hearts ache now with her passing, they overflow with pride, joy and love for having been touched by her beautiful soul — it lives on in all of us and especially in the legacy of her beloved grandchildren. Goodbye, we love you.

A Celebration of Life for friends and family will be held in Spring 2024.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a cause of your choice.