Following a courageous seven-year battle with ovarian cancer, Linda passed away on Friday, June 10, 2022. Linda was a gregarious, kind person who valued her faith, family and friendships above all else. Linda had a tremendous love of God, gardening, art, decorating and travel. She loved any conversation, whether with friends, family or complete strangers. Linda had an intense love for her family, siblings, nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends. She strongly believed that all people were entitled to the same respect and rights as she enjoyed. She wanted a world that was inclusive and just for all. Linda married Gary on July 29, 1977. Together they built a beautiful life and family. Linda loved, beyond measure, her children and their partners, Kerry (Luisa Ramirez) and Jenna (Mike Moggy). Linda was madly in love with her grandsons, Rowan and Benjamin. Funny, goofy little boys that filled Linda with joy. Linda could spend hours watching videos of the boys growing up. Linda is survived by her mother, Lauza Connell (née Godin), who is now past her 100th birthday. Clarence Connell, her father, is predeceased. Linda’s brothers, Brian (Phyllis) and Gary (Pamela) Connell were incredibly close with her. They enjoyed a love and companionship that is rarely seen within families. Gary’s siblings, Pat (Stew) Jotham, Ron (Betsy) Petker and Judy (Dave) Ruetz were also loved by Linda and were always in her thoughts. Nieces and nephews, too numerous to mention, were very special to her. The Petker family would like to sincerely thank dear friends and family who have supported Linda during this lengthy journey. Your kindness and generosity has not gone unnoticed. Visitation will take place at the Henry Walser Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 between the hours of 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at Grandview Church, 250 Old Chicopee Drive, Kitchener. You are welcome to join the family via live-stream at https://www.henrywalser.com/live-streaming. Please join the live-stream at 10:45 a.m. for a video tribute followed by the service at 11 a.m. Private interment will take place at St. Matthews Cemetery, Conestogo. Everyone is invited to join the family at the Walper Hotel, 20 Queen St. S., Kitchener at 1 p.m. Wednesday for a reception in Linda’s memory. Special thanks to Dr. M. Casey, Dr. Karen Lumsden, Dr. Carla Loureiro, Dr. Edward Martins, the staff at the Grand River Hospital, Cancer Clinic, 6th Floor inpatient oncology nurses/staff and nurses/staff of Hospice Waterloo Region. She received excellent and compassionate care from all. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Ovarian Cancer Canada, -205-145 Front St. E., Toronto, M5A 1E3 or Grand River Regional Cancer Centre would be appreciated by the family (cards available at Walser Funeral Home).
Visit www.henrywalser.com for Linda’s memorial.
Published by Waterloo Region Record on Jun. 13, 2022.
