Obituaries

It is with extreme sadness and the utmost disbelief that the family announces the passing of, Linda Ruth McEachern, late of Regina Beach, SK. With her children, family, and close friends continually at her bedside, Linda lost her sudden battle with cancer on the morning of Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at the Regina Pasqua Hospital, Regina, SK.

When Linda smiled, she lit up the room and her energy and personality were infectious. Linda was truly one of the most giving, thoughtful, and caring people to walk the earth! And her “craziness” and sense of humor will be thoroughly missed. Her passion for living showed in everything she did, from preparing amazing gourmet meals, to decorating for every holiday, to the amount of pride she took in making her house a well-loved home.

As a young woman, Linda worked in an upscale clothing store and always dressed very stylishly. She was also well known for her ability to create fabulous up-dos for her family and friends whenever they had a special occasion to attend. Early in her working career, she worked as a nurse’s aide at the Grey Nuns Hospital in Regina; now the Pasqua Hospital. She also worked together with her two sisters at the Auction Barn. Newly married, she opened her own fitness studio called “Regina Fitness & Reducing Clinic”. In 1988, Linda was hired as a Deputy Sheriff at the Saskatchewan Provincial Court House, where she had 22 years of service prior to retiring in 2010. While simultaneously working full time at the courthouse, Linda also worked on a casual basis with the RCMP as a Matron in the cell block at the Regina Police Station. Linda ceased her employment with the RCMP in 1994, upon the tragic motor vehicle accident that her youngest daughter Jodi was involved in. Linda’s co-workers remember her as someone who was always positive and had a smile on her face. She was also known by many to be their “Work Mom”.

Over the last nearly 30 years, when tragedy struck her youngest daughter Jodi, Linda became the primary caregiver to Jodi. Her devotion to Jodi’s care knew no bounds. Linda continued with unimaginable effort, all her heart, and every ounce of her being into making the best possible life for her family. There are no words to express the undertaking Linda freely accepted in caring for Jodi; for Jodi to live her best life possible, at home with her parents.

Mom, you will always be remembered for your unwavering devotion to your family, the kindness you had towards others, and your never-ending generosity to anyone you met. The unconditional love and support you had for us and for those who were fortunate enough to be a part of your life was extraordinary. You lived your life by always putting the needs of your family above your own; and your inner strength was truly inspirational. You were the tie that bound everyone together. Mom, you were truly a very special human being and we were very blessed to have had you as our mother. You may no longer be with us physically, but we will always feel your love, energy, and spirit within us.

Linda’s health took a sudden drastic turn in late April of 2023 and on June 1, Linda learned that she was terminally ill with cancer. Although she desperately wanted to spend all of her days living out at the beach, she was hospitalized for most of her remaining time. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the nursing staff at the Pasqua Hospital Unit 3B; and especially to Dr. Aslam and Maggie Spooner for their exceptionally caring hearts. The family also wishes to express their sincerest gratitude to all the medical personnel and housekeeping staff at the Pasqua Hospital Unit 4B, for the outstanding end-of-life care given to Linda during her final days. An extra special thank you is extended to Dr. Sarah Liskowich, who not only provided Linda with exceptional medical care but also developed a very special kinship with Linda, which was extremely comforting to her as Linda tried to accept her fate with grace. Lastly, the family wishes to acknowledge the professionalism of Almassy Metz Funeral & Cremation Services and the compassion of Funeral Director, Brent Metz.

Linda is survived by her three precious children, who she often referred to as her “gold”, Cy-Lyn (Rick) Crupi of Thunder Bay, ON; Jodi McEachern of Regina Beach, SK; and Rob McEachern of St. Albert, AB; her four beautiful grandchildren, who were her absolute pride and joy, Richard and Matthew Crupi of Thunder Bay, ON and Sienna and Haven McEachern of St. Albert, AB; her brothers Larry (Rhondaree) Rittinger, Kenny (Dianne) Rittinger, and Bob (Sharon) Rittinger; her sisters Brenda (Pat) Ogilvie and Wendy (Doug) Rink; her sister-in-law Kathy (Ron) Vicklund; many nieces, nephews, cousins, close friends, and her Aunty Vivian also survive. Linda was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, the love of her life, Joe McEachern; her parents Cyrus and Elva Rittinger; her in-laws Donald and Katie McEachern; and many aunts and uncles.

It was Linda’s wishes not to have any sort of formal funeral service and her request is being honored by her family.