Glace Bay
 
We are saddened to announce the passing of Linda Ann (MacDonald) Stewart, 68, on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, in Sydney.

Born in Glace Bay, Linda was the daughter of the late Thomas ‘Tommy the Welder’ and Verna (Shepard) MacDonald.  

Besides her parents, Linda was predeceased by her husband, Greg Stewart and her siblings, Elizabeth MacDonald Hiscott, Juanita MacDonald and Blaine MacDonald.

Linda is survived by her devoted husband, Gerard ‘Gusy’ Gouthro and his children, David Gouthro, Alicia (Mark) MacDonald and Darryl (Jennifer) Gouthro; daughter, Tracey (Kurt) Buckland and her cherished grandchildren, Emily and Erin Buckland, Emma, Katie and Ethan Gouthro and Isabella and Lila Gouthro. Linda is also survived by her sister, Myrna MacDonald; brother, Darryll (Joan) MacDonald; mother-in-law, Helen Stewart; sisters-in-law, Mary (Jimmy) Kelloway and Sandra (Peter) Veestra; many special nieces, nephews, cousins and treasured friends especially, Duana (Francois) d'Entremont, Dara (Gerard) MacDonald, Duane ‘Dewey’ (Rhonda) MacDonald, David (Kelly) Janes, Helen Lynn (Gerard) Janes, Cheryl (Rob) Donko, Blair Kelloway, Bonita (Paul) Wolfe, Robert (Eleanor) Hiscott, Brent MacDonald, Ave Shaw, Bernice MacDonald, Grace Delaney, Vince and Diane Buckland.

Linda graduated from St. Francis Xavier University with a Degree in Education and was a dedicated teacher for 38 years. She was an avid reader and enjoyed writing poetry. Music, art, gardening and especially, photography were Linda's passions. She loved to explore the outdoors with Gerard and her camera buddies searching for the perfect photo. She felt at peace when she was near the ocean and especially, when her grandchildren and her Siberian Husky, Shuky, were at her side. Linda also enjoyed curling up with a good crossword puzzle and her cats, Zak and Zee. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Special thanks to Dr. Ron MacCormick, Dr. John Jensen, Dr. George Burns and the staff of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital for their care and kindness given to Linda during her time of need.

A private family service will take place at a later date. 

Linda was an active volunteer with The Children's Wish Foundation to which charitable donations can be made in her honour.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.

Life's Fleeting Moments – by Linda Stewart
Moments are but bubbles
Flitting through time.
Encircling us who live within.
Then, bursting and depositing us
On the high ground called Memory,
From where we can look back
And marvel at how quickly we have travelled.

"When Tomorrow Starts Without Me" – by David M. Romano
 "When tomorrow starts without me
and I'm not there to see:
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
all filled with tears for me:
I wish so much you wouldn't cry
the way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
we didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me,
as much as I love you,
And each that you think of me,
I know that you'll miss me to.
So when tomorrow starts without me,
don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart."

Send an online condolence.

     

                              Online Condolences

Gussie and Family Please accept our sincere sympathy for your loss. May your good memories help you through the difficult times. 

From:  Donald and Judy MacLeod, Homeville

Sending condolence to the family of Linda.  So sorry to here of her passing, didn't know her very long however, I felt like I have known her all my life. Linda was a very special person for she always made me laugh. Fly high with the angles…RIP.
From:  SYLVIA HULFORD

Thinking of all of you in these sad days ahead……
From:  Colleen Shepherd


Wishing you all much love & support at this very difficult time. May God wrap you in his arms and hold you as you walk through the grieving process. Linda sounded like a wonderful woman and of course will be missed so much by you all. 

From:  Caroline McGarry-Ross


We would like to send our deepest sympathy on the passing of your wonderful wife and mother. I did not have the privilege of teaching with Linda but took many courses with her. She was a beautiful and talented person and our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. 
Sincerely, Belinda and Ralph Hoffman

Gusy, So sorry to hear of your loss. Life can be a rough ride. You and your family are in our prayers.
From:  Dunc & Goretti MacIsaac (hockey Buddy & school friend), Liverpool, NS

Tracey my thoughts are with you and your family during this time.
From:  Aimee Luedey 

Dear Tracey, Kurt , Erin and Emily, I am very sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May all the memories you shared together bring you comfort and support. 
Love Anne Louise

We were deeply saddened to learn of Linda's passing. Whenever we would see her she always made us laugh. She had a wonderful sense of humour. She will be missed.
From:  Mike & Corrine Mischiek 

I'm so sorry to hear of Linda's passing another angel in God's heavenly garden.
From:  Theresa Doucette 

So sorry for your loss. May your memories of Linda,give you comfort, at this difficult time.
From:  Marilyn Wilson


My deepest sympathy to Linda's family at this crossroads in your life. Like her initials LS Linda was ' limited stock" No matter what life sent her way Linda faced it bravely and always with a smile. Her love of life, of nature, of children and of her fellow people will leave a scare on each of our hearts yet what we all learned from Linda will be carried out as a reminder of her life. Now it's Linda's time for peace and to fly high with those birds you loved to photograph Rest in Peace, Linda for soon we shall all be together again. Love Ave Marie

Tracey, Gus & family.My deepest sympathies to you on the loss of your mom & wife. Noone is ever really prepared for such a tragedy. Shared memories with family & friends will bring some comfort to you. Linda & I enjoyed a few years in the 'community band'…lots of laughs & giggles. She could light up a room with her smile. Again, love & prayers.
…I also want to commend you for the beautiful memorial to your mom & wife. And 'thank you' for sharing those 2 lovely pictures & her "Life's Fleeting Moments" poem.
Take care; 
ELAINE MAC GILLIVRAY

Dearest Tracey.. I was quite saddened to hear that your Mom had passed away… I have happy memories of visits with your Mom and Dad when we visited Glace Bay. Take care Tracey.. Thinking of You and your family… Aunt Gloria
 

Tracey Buckland, very sorry to read of your Mom's passing. She was a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
From:  Karen Christoff