EATON, Linda Merlene

It is with broken hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Linda Merlene Eaton on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at the Moncton Hospital. Linda was born October 9, 1947 in Charlottetown, PEI the eldest daughter of the late Gladys (Powell) and Robert Downe. Linda was a bright, energetic, athletic child, always ready for adventure and a great older sister. Linda’s later success as an entrepreneur could be attributed to her childhood where as the eldest she was responsible for helping with several household tasks, traveling by bike to pay bills and caring for her siblings, who she always had in tow. These early characteristics were reflected throughout her personal and professional life. From her early career as a loans officer with Bank of Montreal and CIBC in PEI and NB to creating a successful business (Argus Hearing) with her husband Leigh. For several years, Linda received several sales awards in the hearing industry. All while raising her children, Linda went on to earn a degree from Mount Allison University in mid life just for the love of learning, while also serving on various community boards and volunteer organizations including the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, IODE, Crossroads for Women, 100 Women Who Care, the Hillsborough Fashion Gala in support of cancer, and in Rotary, being the first female member in the Moncton area. Linda’s impressive work ethic and already busy schedule didn’t prevent her from also teaching Religious Studies at Crandall University and Mount Allison and also getting involved in all levels of politics. Linda believed in supporting female entrepreneurs and one way she contributed was by teaching a mentoring course through ACOA. While at Mount Allison, Linda’s thesis, “Women in the Baptist Tradition”, obviously made quite an impression as she was invited to York University to present it. Linda was the family social director, a role she both loved and excelled at while organizing elegant family dinners, Christmas gatherings, including Christmas in July, numerous birthday celebrations, alligator farm outings, day excursions in Florida and countless trips to Disney World. In her retirement, Linda continued to enjoy travelling the world with her husband Leigh. They had the “Love Story” for the ages and spent many wonderful years enjoying their waterfront winter home near Cocoa, Florida. When her children were young, Linda had equally enjoyed organizing trips to PEI for their children in a blended family, which included a pop up camper in tow and propane barbeque; nothing was ever too much work. She always looked forward to visits with her adored grandchildren who spent many days with their grandmother swimming in the backyard pool and later enjoying outdoor activities at the shore in Pointe-du-Chene. Linda’s grandchildren and most recently her great-grandson will all tell you that they loved making cookies with Gram. Friends and family will agree that Linda made the best homemade rolls ever...period! And add those to her incredible roast dinners and notable desserts that many will remember. No one was ever bored in Linda’s company whether the discussion was the latest local, national or international political issues, organizing future trips and family events or developing a plan to attend local theater or a new restaurant. Linda was incredibly close to her younger sister, Barb, spending most of their Christmases together and engaging in numerous day adventures in the Maritimes and Florida as well as exploring the world. While they never agreed on anything politically, they eternally demonstrated the bonds of sisterly love. Much to the chagrin of her family, Linda had an unhealthy love for April Fools Day pranks. Unbeknownst to her, in her later years, they all pretended to be fooled (except for Heidi who was genuinely fooled). Linda had a talent for story telling, on a whim or otherwise, and much to of the amusement of her family. She loved a good laugh and Leigh and Bill’s humour were always there to accommodate. Words cannot express the delight of her family of being continuously updated of the comings and goings of the Royal Family. Linda had more royalty stories than HELLO! Magazine. Linda lived her life fully with a penchant for designer clothes, jewelry, gourmet meals, Hallmark movies, and most of all her much loved family. Linda is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Leigh, son Bill (Norma), daughter Heidi (Westley); step-sons Goldwyn and Darren (Janice), step daughter Tammy; sister Barbara Downe-Wamboldt (Roger), Dartmouth, brothers Bob Downe (Lorraine), Rick Downe (Patricia), Victoria; grandchildren, Stephen (Monica), Oakville, Sascha, Wyatt, Jessie, Sasha, Katie and Kyle; great grandson Malakhai, great granddaughter Shylo; nieces Barrett Wamboldt, Halifax, and Victoria Downe, nephew Nathaniel Downe. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Fergusons Funeral Home, 1657 Mountain Road, Moncton, NB (506-858-1995). Due to the current pandemic a Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Linda’s memory be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of choice. Online condolences for the family may be shared on Fergusons Funeral Home Facebook page or at www.fergusonsfuneralhome.com