Linda POITRAS

Linda Carol Poitras
It's with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Linda Carol Poitras (Murton) on September 5, 2013 at the age of 65 after a courageous battle with heart and kidney disease. Linda's life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched by her understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. Linda was born July 20, 1948 in Moose Jaw to Fred and Annie (Rice) Murton, the eldest of 7 children. She grew up on the family farm north of Regina, a childhood that shaped a lifelong affection for animals. Linda loved school and never stopped pursuing knowledge. After graduating from Balfour Collegiate in 1967, she took a position with the Government of Saskatchewan at the Legislative Building, followed by various positions in Social Services – retiring in February, 2013 after 45 years of service. It was her work in the communications branch that fed mom's passion for writing; a talent that did not go unrecognized by Ministers and Premiers, including Roy Romanow who was so fond of mom's speeches that he'd send thank you notes and, on one occasion, a bouquet of flowers in appreciation. In 1974 Linda met and married her soul mate and best friend, Len. Together they raised three children. Linda tackled parenting with enthusiasm; shuffling kids to and from various activities, cheering at football games, karate tournaments, t-ball and baseball, dance recitals and cheerleading competitions. Once she and Len found themselves empty-nesters, she loved being invited to her kid's homes, never missing an opportunity to let them know how proud she was of each of them. She spent many summers camping, and continued to enjoy the Qu'Appelle Valley until just prior to her passing. Linda loved the outdoors, and often remarked that it would be her dream to quit her job, hop in a Jeep and live simply in the outdoors, writing and taking in nature. Linda's resolute determination to persevere allowed us much more time with her than we ever could have hoped for. She never ceased to amaze the doctors and nurses treating her, each time proving that prayer and, sometimes sheer will, can make miracles. We are so grateful for the angels watching over her, and all those who sent their prayers and well-wishes; Linda believed that she could feel the positive energy and love and it encouraged her to keep fighting. Linda's greatest regret was that she wouldn't be able to see her grandsons graduate, marry and have families. She loved her grandchildren beyond words. She was not shy about expressing her love for them; giving grandma hugs and being joyful for each moment she could spend with them. Linda is survived by her husband of 39 years, Leonard; children Scott (Tracy), Melodie (Dallas), and Danielle (Ben); grandchildren Aidan and Tristan, Ashton and Andrew; siblings Fred, Primrose, Mary, Frank, Ron, Kathy; numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Dehghani, Dr. Karunakaran, Dr. Ali, staff of the Cardiac Care Unit (CCU), Renal Unit, and Palliative Care staff at the General Hospital, who have provided care beyond our expectations, with a compassion that did not go unnoticed. At Linda's request, a Come-and-Go Celebration of her Life will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2013 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., in the Saskatchewan Room at the Hotel Saskatchewan Radisson Plaza, 2125 Victoria Ave., Regina, SK. If desired, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to