CANNING, Linda ‘Lyn’ (Turner)

Peacefully, in the early morning of April 26th, 2024, my beautiful bride of 52 years, loving and much loved Mom and Gramma, and dear friend to so many completed her life journey, leaving behind a trail of broken hearts and an abundance of joyful memories. Linda ‘Lyn’ (Turner) Canning was the only daughter of the late Philip and Frances Turner; sister of Larry (d.1997); the devoted wife and best friend of Don; Mom to their amazing daughter, Nancy (son-in-law, John); Gramma to her precious grandchildren, Owen, Seth and Kate; and special sister-in-law of Joyce and Sylvia; all for whom her love knew no bounds. The tributes have been heartfelt and heartwarming - “a brave, kind, loving, entertaining, lovable, funny and generous spirit,” “the best teacher ever,” “a talented, colourful artist,” “a warm, welcoming hostess,” “a force of nature,” “a best friend for life”. She was all of those and more. None have been more compelling than Nancy’s reflections on her Mom; “She had a way of making so many people feel loved and special. She meant to do that. She was always rooting for other people’s success and joy and accomplishments.” Recalling special memories of her Mom, which will resonate with many of us, Nancy reminds us of the countless ways in which her Mom will always be with her, “in the singing car rides, the beach sunsets, the Blue Jay games, the Christmas almond bark, the handwritten birthday cards, the teacher stories (kindergarten and grade two provide a good supply of these), the pool parties, the turkey suppers and the winning game of cards (she certainly would not “let” you win). I won’t ever lose her because she is in the fabric of who I am,” ...as she is with all those whose lives she touched in a unique, meaningful way. Following her graduation from Lawrence Park Collegiate in North Toronto, Lyn went on to pursue studies in Early Childhood Education at Centennial College, followednbydearning

an undergraduate degree from Mcmaster University and her Primary Specialist diploma from Hamilton Teacher’s College. Lyn’s teaching career included schools in Oakville (Maple Grove), Montreal’s Town of Mount Royal (Carylyle), and Richmond Hill (Sixteenth Avenue and Ross Doan) where her winning ways in the classroom won the hearts of her young students and the respect of their parents and her peers. In 2002, Lyn and Don began their early retirement years with a move to Bedford enjoying the welcoming friends in their new condo community. A “second home” in Isla del Sol, St. Petersburg continued to be a treasured annual retreat, as was the century old “log cottage” at Pethern Point, near Perth, ON. More recently, the family home in Five Islands on the shores of the historic Minas Basin has been a special refuge and getaway. A “Celebration of Lyn’s Life” service is being planned for Five Islands in early August, and later in Toronto, when family and friends can gather to honour a life well lived but which left us all too soon. Memorial Remembrances, if desired, may be made to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind Guide Dog program, to the Victorian Order of Nurses (Colchester-east Hants Nova Scotia Branch), or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the compassionate care of Smith’s Funeral Home in Parrsboro. www.smithsfuneralhome.com