The family and friends of Linda Doreen Smerch are heartbroken to announce her passing on July 16, 2022 at her home in Cranberry Portage, Manitoba. Surrounded by her loving husband Larry, sons Ryan and Rick, and her dearest friends, Linda bravely entered the arms of the angels.

We especially appreciate and will be forever grateful to Linda’s close friend Brenda Dawyduk for making her final days peaceful and filled with love by providing palliative care at home.

Linda was born May 30, 1949 to Olga and Ed Aho of Rorketon, Manitoba, and became the loving eldest sister to her 5 siblings, Audrhea, Debbie, Jim, Ginny and Sandra. Linda, you will always be our role model for kindness, generosity, zest for life and fun, and how to live life to the fullest even in difficult circumstances. We will forever miss you, cherish you, and in any situation ask ourselves: “What would Linda do?”. 

Upon completing high school in Rorketon, Linda made the bold move to attend Teachers’ College at the University of Manitoba. She had a  long and happy career as an elementary school teacher and then as a principal, inspiring and guiding countless children in Winnipegosis, Dauphin, Grand Rapids and Cranberry Portage. She loved teaching and used her sunny personality to reach out to her students with music, stories,  cooking, crafts, games and anything she felt would help even the most reluctant children to succeed. It was while doing her practice teaching in Rorketon that she was swept off her feet by a handsome and suave young teacher named Larry Smerch. It was love at first sight, and the couple went on to enjoy 54 years of wedded bliss. They married in August 1968 and were blessed with the birth of their two sons, Ryan Robert in 1973 and Richard Allen in 1975, and later two grandsons Benson and Braxton. Linda loved all 5 of her boys with all her big heart. It was her greatest joy to have them all together and provide her famous cooking and baking for them. She was so very proud of their accomplishments and of the kind and caring people they are.

Linda’s dear husband Larry was a steadfast, caring, and loving life partner and was truly her soulmate. It was a rarity to see one without the other. They shared their love for fun and friends, being terrific hosts and making lifelong friends wherever they went. They enjoyed many travels together, especially cruises and road trips, and particularly enjoyed spending many winters at Birch Bay, Washington. Linda loved a good game (or 3 or 4…) of Cribbage or Scrabble and was a huge curling fan. When we couldn’t be together to watch a bonspiel, she carried on a lively virtual play-by-play commentary online for us.

Linda, you are loved by so many! You shared your positive energy and zest for life with everyone. We will miss your fabulous homemade bread and beetniks and soups and so much more. We will miss your laughter and hugs and jigging and your willingness to just have fun. Your spirit will be with us always.

In keeping with family wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held.