Linda Roberta Lowe dedicated her life to building special memories for her family, many of them centered on the family cottage in Oak Bay, New Brunswick. On Friday, May 22, with family at her side for one last look out over the water that was so special to all of them, Linda passed away at Charlotte County Hospital at the age of 72.
With hearts broken, yet somehow full at the same time, Linda is lovingly remembered by her son Trevor (Dr. Stephanie Perry) Perry, and her daughter Krista Amos, their father Fraser Perry, her two granddaughters, Olivia and Avery Amos, and their father Kris Amos, her sister Judy Wilson (Rod), and Sharon Fowler (Eugene), along with nephews, Rodney and Derek Wilson (Patricia), Dr. Rob Fowler (Eva Shamoaka) and niece Angela Fowler (Ben Kennedy), great nephews Jackson, Jarod and Marcus Wilson, Matthew Fowler, Zoe and Kavi Kennedy.
She was predeceased by her parents, Arthur Lowe and Thelma (Moffatt) Lowe, and brother-in-law, Rodney H. Wilson.
Linda was born on November 30, 1947 in St. Stephen, NB. She grew up in the border community and developed a life-long love of sports. While she was a dedicated and accomplished athlete, Linda was happiest after her playing days were over and she was the biggest cheerleader for her children, grandchildren and other young athletes in our community.
As a student at St. Stephen High School, Linda was a proud Spartan and a star on the court, field and in the classroom. She earned a spot on many All-Star Teams and graduated with honours, athletic distinction, earning the Harding Trophy, recognizing academic and athletic achievement.
Linda helped bring three provincial basketball titles and a provincial softball title to St. Stephen and she was a New Brunswick singles badminton champion. She also played volleyball.
Linda was known for her kindness, but she was also tough. In her final year of softball, she was driven to help St. Stephen win a New Brunswick championship. Coached by her brother-in-law, and New Brunswick Sports Hall of Famer Rod Wilson, Linda pitched three complete games in the final day of play. The pitching performance wasn’t even the toughest thing she did to help the team. In one of the games, Linda suffered a painful knee dislocation while running to first base. She didn’t quit. Coach Rod pushed it back in place, Linda finished the game and St. Stephen went on to win its fourth ever New Brunswick ladies softball title.
Linda earned her education degree from UNB Fredericton in 1969. She also played four years of basketball and two years of volleyball through university and she was part of the 1967 Winter Canada Games Women’s Basketball Team in Quebec City.
It was during these years that Linda formed many special friendships and she reconnected with those friends over the last few years and looked forward to her weekly Zoom calls.
Linda returned home to St. Stephen to raise a family and in 1977 and she began a teaching career that would leave a lasting legacy of organization and professionalism. She would be known as tough but fair and she touched the lives of many students who remember her fondly.
Linda’s commitment to helping students and the community went beyond the classroom. She played an important role in creating opportunities for students in particular, the Boston Bound Co-Curricular excursion.
While raising a family, working full-time, returning to university to complete her Master of Education degree, Linda always made time to volunteer. She organized parades for championship teams, raised funds, lead parent booster clubs and was her children’s number one fan at all their events. She was solely responsible for the naming of a St. Stephen field in honour of her brother-in-law – the H. Rod Wilson Baseball Field sign is a lasting reminder of his contributions.
Linda retired in 2005 so she could care for her mother and father – she cherished this opportunity to be there for them.
Upon the arrival of her granddaughters, Olivia and Avery, her devotion turned to them. She loved them more than anything. Many lasting memories were formed over the years, none stronger than those made at the cottage in Oak Bay. "Love you to the cottage and back," was their special term of endearment.
In retirement, Linda barely slowed down and continued to supply teach, volunteer and cheer for Olivia and Avery in everything they did. She was their number one fan.
She sat on the Charlotte County Hospital Board, worked with Elections Canada, worked for Atlantic Education Institute and spent time as an Elder with the St. Stephen Presbyterian Church. Most recently, she was a member of the Greater St. Stephen Sports Wall of Fame selection committee. Linda was a believer in life-long learning and continued to support student interns at St. Thomas University into this spring.
She never missed an opportunity to support young, student athletes by watching their events, whether live or on-line. She often quietly sponsored youth to help them excel in their sport by sending them to camp.
In her quiet time – yes, there was some quiet time – Linda loved the simplicity of watching the tides come and go, gardening, reading and knitting (Nannie Linda’s knitted socks were a warm thank you to everyone who supported her during her illness).
The cottage remained her happy place and she enjoyed the many visits from family and friends over the years. Above all, Linda loved her family and modeled for all of them the importance of family first.
Linda’s family would like to thank the Oncology Team at the Saint John Regional Hospital, specifically Dr. Amy Groom and Dr. James Michael, the Palliative Care Team at both SJRH and CCH, paramedics and staff at CCH who made Linda’s final wishes come true in a very difficult time. We are truly grateful for the care and compassion that was shown during her illness.
A graveside service and reception will be held at a later time when out of province family can attend.
In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations can be made in Memory of Linda to the Rod Wilson Memorial Bursary Fund, c/o St Stephen High School, 282 King Street, St Stephen, NB E3L 4X7, that helps St. Stephen High School students remain involved in extra-curricular activities or excel in their activity of choice or to the Charlotte County Cancer Society.
