We Remember
MACMATH, Lynda
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Lynda MacMath, 70, passed away peacefully with family at Kelowna General Hospital on February 13th, 2014. She is survived by her loving husband, Donald MacMath, her daughters Sheryl MacMath and Ann Rusch, her son-in-law David Rusch, and her granddaughters Octavia and Zeah Rusch. Lynda had many family and friends who will miss her greatly, both in BC as well as back East. Lynda was born in Fergus, Ontario, on November 8th, 1943. She is survived by her two older brothers, Jim and Clark Boughner, as well as many nieces and nephews. For Lynda, family was very important. She spent many years working on developing an extensive set of family trees which kept her in contact with her many Aunts on both the Hamilton and Cameron sides. Lynda was proud to complete her nursing degree in Hamilton. She then promptly moved to Trail, BC to work at the local hospital. Her favourite wards were the surgical ward (because no one was as organized and clean as Lynda…it was always a gift of hers) and the psychiatric ward. Lynda’s first night in Trail she met and fell in love with her future husband, Don, who was working at the local mine. A few dates later, they were engaged. They proved positive that there is something called a soul mate. Lynda had a strong will to live, a huge heart, and a generous hug for everyone who knew her. While she did go back to nursing briefly after having Sheryl and Ann, her main focus was being an extraordinary mother. There was never a question, her entire family knew that she would do anything we needed. She would fight any war, protect us from any storm, and hold us tight when we felt we were falling. She would always say that her greatest accomplishments were her marriage and her children…and she showed that to her family every single day. Lynda was also a social butterfly so she always made friends wherever she went. In Prince George she started quilting (it was the only community course that still had room) and it became a passion that she has enjoyed ever since. Lynda was very creative and crafty and quilting was her gift. In Kelowna, even though Lynda and Don had played bridge for quite a number of years, upon moving back to the Okanagan, bridge became their new passion. Lynda and Don were strong bridge planners, having quite the reputation. They began playing duplicate bridge here in Kelowna, and soon started entering tournaments and achieving their ACBL Life Master’s. Whenever Lynda set a goal, she achieved it. Her dedication was intense and her will to live was fierce. Every record for those living with heart abnormalities, heart surgeries, heart attacks, and congestive heart failure was broken by Lynda. She knew her family needed her, she wanted to be a part of too many activities. Lynda was passionate about life and people. She was always excited to try new things, told random strangers what a wonderful smile they had, and always looked for the best in people. As such, it is no surprise, we all remember the best about Lynda. There are no words to express how deeply she will be missed. Her memorial service and reception will be held Friday, February 21st, 2014 at 4:00 pm at the Springfield Funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation or the BC Kidney Foundation. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
Friday, February 21st, 2014 at 4:00 pm
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
Share with Others:
BC Heart and Stroke Foundation or the BC Kidney Foundation.
Service Information
Service Details
The service for MACMATH, Lynda is scheduled for Friday, February 21st, 2014 at 4:00 pm . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
Springfield Funeral Home
2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
Words cannot express how sorry I was to here of Lynda’s passing. She was such an inspiration, pillar of strength, role model and encourager. Lynda’s journey and the impact she has made on the lives she has touched will never be forgotten. I will miss her warms hugs and bright smile.
the first time I met Lynda we were working nights in Dawson Creek. A patient came back from the OR in the wee hours of the morn; Lynda dug out the basin, filled it with warm water and gently washed up the sleepy patient. Lynda’s gentle care and compassion for her patients were an inspiration to me as a new nurse. That care extended to Denise, Michelle, Karen and myself as she took us all under her wing and watchful eye. Our friendship lasted 35 years; I was blessed to have had Lynda in my life. She taught me that kindness is a gift that we can give to all people. Thank you for sharing your Lynda/mom with me. holding you all close in thought and prayer. love
Beth
We will miss Lynda, her pleasant personality, her Love she gave so generously, her chatty phone calls. Our Sincere Sympathy to Don and Family. Love Aunt Judy & Uncle Charlie
We wish to express our deepest condolences to both Don and his family for the sad loss of a wonderful lady.
Lynda was a fantastic bridge player and inspired in me a love for the game.
She will be missed.
Betty Ann and Vello
Mrs Macmath loved her girls more than anything. But she also had love for her girls friends. I always enjoyed seeing or talking with her and always felt loved and encouraged. I hope I can grow to be a mom and a person like her! Rest in Peace
I recall memories of Lynda that will never leave me. Lynda’s generosity and hospitality was over the top. When I became a single parent with two children, she did not hesitate to invite us for Christmas, Easter and other family
gatherings.
I thought it was very generous of Lynda to attempt to teach me bridge along with my friend some years ago. We were such novices and seemed to lack retention abilities. Lynda showed much patience when we didn’t remember what was taught in her previous lesson, but she didn’t give up on us.
Another memory is Lynda’s admiration for my paintings, even the ones that were my first attempts in a new medium such as oil and acrylic paint. A few were displayed on her walls for many years.
Lynda appreciated what was made by hand, especially by family and friends.
She herself was superb in art quilting and sewing. She even helped me make a photo quilt where I used photos of vehicles owned by my family from grandparents to my children. It is hanging up on the wall in my home.
I thank Lynda for these memories.
When I think of Lynda I get a big smile on my face and wonderful memories start filtering through my mind:)
I first met Lynda in Dawson Creek, B.C. where I had my first nursing job.
What I most remember is how Lynda gathered Beth, Michelle, Karen and I into her home and made us family!
The commander welcomed us and we joined Don, Sheryl, and Ann in so many family meals…the only place I have ever been so lucky as to have both whip cream and ice cream with angel food cake for dessert!
And then dishes time…I had no idea there was a proper way to wash the good china and store it in those cloth bags…all done while Roger Whittaker played in the background. We were always happy when the everyday dishes came out that could go in the dishwasher. However,I would never give up those fun times and the laughter as we were instructed how to properly wash the good china:)
After supper, the cards would come out…and it was game on.
Through the years we have travelled down different roads, but have always stayed friends. Our children have their musical stuffed toys lovingly made by Lynda. Our waffle maker with its special engraving given to us as a wedding present reminds me of the MacMath family every time I use it!
We had so much fun the few times we were able to get together through the years since DC time, both on the island and in Kelowna…Lynda and Don, Sheryl and Ann, always amazing hosts and always made to feel so welcome!
Our annual calls around the Christmas holidays were filled with laughter and love!
I will miss you Lynda…your laughter, your love, your positive attitude…my B.C. Mom, may you rest in peace.
Denise
Four and half years ago I went down to my apartment lobby to check the mail and saw a woman (Lynda’s daughter Sheryl) struggling to get through the front door with a futon mattress perched haphazardly on top of a shopping cart. I asked if she needed help and she gladly accepted. Sheryl and I have been good friends ever since.
At first I only knew her mom through the stories she would tell but eventually I was lucky enough to meet Lynda in person a couple of times and we’d chat on the phone occasionally. Through my own experiences and from reading the other condolences here, it’s clear that Lynda had a way of making people feel valued and special. Not because any of us are that special but because Lynda was special. She was one of those rare and amazing individuals who made a positive impact in your life no matter how briefly you knew her.
LeEllen
We will miss her wonderful laugh and smiling face at the bridge table both at tournaments and our homes. Mary and Bill.