Linda Darbyson

It is with profound sadness that we announce the loss of our Mom, Grandma, Niece, Sister, Aunt and Cherished Friend, Linda Cheryl Darbyson (nee Gehl) on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 in the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.Linda was a feisty old woman who lived with the utmost discipline. She was a tough lady who didn¹t mince words as she always had a knack for telling it like it is. As stubborn and strong-willed as Linda was, she was also a diamond in the rough, meaning, within that hard and pressurized exterior, there was a gem that sparkled when her light shone.

She talked a tough game, but her other side was loving, and she would do ANYTHING for her loved ones, including giving you the shirt off her back if it was needed. If she gave you her word, you better believe she followed through


because she took care of business. Her word meant something, and if she gave it to you, you meant something. She wasn't always sugary sweet, but she was real and that is the part of her our family will miss so much.

Linda was born in Quebec and raised in Port Arthur, ON, to Doreen and David Henry "Hank" Gehl. Linda was best known for her hardworking, industrious nature, and her innate ability to find, make, and save money. Hank would often comment to Doreen, "We didn't raise a daughter, we raised a cash register". She was quick as a whip and there was always some sort of enterprise she was working on, whether it be quality homecare and childcare services, holiday catering services, whatever trend she could conquer and capitalize on, or just working for the man. Linda knew better than anyone else the value of hard work and a dollar earned, because she worked so hard at everything she did. We often joked that she had dollar signs for eyes because she possessed so much ingenuity in using her god given skills to "make the Rah-Hah".

Linda was an AMAZING cook. She could create masterpieces with next to nothing. Food was always one thing she prized and would not let people take for granted; if one were to ask any of the kids in our family, they will tell you that plates were always clean because of all the starving children in other parts of the world. Cabbage rolls, lasagna, perogies and cheesecake, made by anyone else will pale in comparison to hers. Her coveted recipes will rest in eternity with her as she literally took them to the


grave, CLASSIC LINDA! Her cooking is one of the many things we will miss most about her.

Linda leaves behind her daughter Christy-Ann Elaine Darbyson; her two granddaughters: Jaimie Lynn Repo and Marissa Ann Eileen Repo; her Aunt Eileen Rice; her sisters: Doreen Johnson, Diana (Ed) Laukka, Diane Gehl and Monica Gehl; her brother David Gehl; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews, all of whom will miss her very much. Linda also leaves behind her very special friend and companion of 31-years, Donnie Germaine, to whom we extend our sincerest gratitude for the love, care, and friendship he provided to Linda over the years and especially during her illness. We are so grateful you were always there, in her corner.

Linda was predeceased by her twin sister at birth, Sheryl Darlene Gehl, parents Doreen and Hank Gehl, great nephews Linden Ivall and Tristan Gehl, and her great niece Kayliegh Ivall.

Visitation and viewing will be held Tuesday, October 11, 2022, from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM at Harbourview Funeral Home. Funeral Service for Linda will be held on Friday, October 14, 2022, in St. Paul¹s United Church, 349 Waverley Street at 11:00 am.

Linda was a mercurial woman with a quick wit and ever-changing barometer, and we loved her so much. We are also saddened to know we will never again hear her say, "I ain't got no money". Rest in Peace Linda, you are missed so much by all.

Condolences may be offered at
www.harbourviewfuneral.ca