Alice LINDEN

1926 - 2023

ALICE LINDEN Mum believed it was unwise to say someone was lucky until they were safely in the grave. After 97 full, happy and healthy years, we can safely state that Alice Mary Linden (Waterous) was indeed one of the lucky ones. Born in 1926 in Brantford, Alice became known to her family and friends as 'Tuffy,' which proved to be an affectionate but apt description. She was the second of five Waterous siblings. Throughout their lives, Bev, Tuffy, Dick, Reg and Nancy were a tight clan, enjoying each other's company until eventually, only Tuffy was left. Mum's lifelong instincts of concern for her neighbours may have been formed during her early years during the Depression, with her father leaving instructions for men appearing at the back door who were 'down on their luck,' to go to a local restaurant and send the bill to him. This concern lasted throughout her life, whether it was helping at the local food bank, working with newcomers learning English, or taking an interest in the staff in her retirement home. Mum's writing abilities were first spotted by a high school teacher, leading Mum in 1945 to become a reporter at the Brantford Expositor while still in school. From this first job, paying $16 a week, Mum's memories as a reporter were among her most cherished, with her career taking her to various publications including Maclean Hunter and STYLE magazine. She was especially proud of her long-running freelance column Panorama in the London Free Press, which was enjoyed by many readers. Starting in the era when news copy was set with individual lead letters, Mum's career wrapped up just as computers were becoming used in the newsroom. She never got over her suspicion of this new technology, convinced that pressing a wrong key would break it. In 1947, she was introduced to a visiting Englishman, Philip Linden. Five years later, a chance encounter with him in Montreal marked the beginning of a true life-long romance between our parents. Married in 1954, they moved to London Ontario, where Alice lived until Philip's death in 2008, and where their family included Matthew (Dominique), Anna (Brian) and David (Diane); and eventually seven grandchildren, Laura, Ross, Andrew, Simon, Kate, Paul and Ben. Mum's natural interest in people rewarded her with a wide circle of friends throughout her life, and drew her close to everyone she met. She had a unique ability to quickly develop meaningful friendships with people from all backgrounds and a sincere desire to learn more about them. Of quick mind and wit, she will be missed by many of those whom she encountered and whose lives she touched. Even at her retirement home in her later years, staff voted her as the resident 'who knows you best.' Her impish sense of good humour and positive outlook lasted until her final days, and will be her ongoing legacy for all of us who loved her. Mum died peacefully at home, on November 5, 2023, in her ninety-eighth year, after a short illness. The funeral will take place at 1 p.m., Saturday, November 11, at the Church of St. John the Divine, Arva. A luncheon reception will follow in the parish hall. Burial will take place in St. John's Cemetery, where she will be reunited with Philip. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Daily Bread Food Bank, St. Paul's Cathedral, London, or your local food bank, would be appreciated. The family wish to offer their grateful thanks to all of the administrative, nursing and support staff at Arbour Trails Retirement residence in Guelph, as well as the Arbour Family Medical Centre for their compassion and care.