At dawn, April 29, 2024, Linda passed peacefully. Kelly, her partner in life, and their two children, Jenna and Jeffrey were by her side. In October of 2015 Linda was diagnosed with Ocular Melanoma, and her journey began with fierce dedication to fight the disease. This involved surgeries, immunotherapy, a research trial in Toronto for a year, and chemotherapy for two months early in 2024. All of which, extended her life and gave her more time with her family. She was a truly admirable, and valiant warrior against her disease to the very end. The family owes special thanks to the many medical specialists who helped her in her fight.
Linda was born in Edmonton, Alberta, on June 10, 1960, and moved to Kelowna, BC in 1964 with her parents and brother Brian to start a new life. She grew up there and moved to Victoria, BC, in 1980 to pursue her ambition to become a physiotherapist. She graduated from UBC in the class of 1984 with a combined degree of Occupational and Physical therapy. She moved to Victoria to be with Kelly, her future husband. After a brief period at Gorge Road Hospital, she worked at Queen Alexandra Centre for Children’s Health as a Pediatric Physiotherapist for the next 33 years. Over that time, she touched hundreds of families in need of guidance for a challenged child and was completely devoted to each and every one in the process of her work.
Linda was very much connected to nature and natural history around BC, but especially the Okanagan and Vancouver Island. It gave her immense pleasure to walk slowly along a trail, over a meadow, or along a beach and drink in that connection. She thoroughly enjoyed sharing this quality with her husband Kelly.
She was predeceased by her father, James Pearce, and brother Brian. She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Kelly, children Jenna and Jeffrey, her mother Darlene and many other Pearce and Sendall family members along with many friends and colleagues. Her strength, love, and devotion to her friends and family will live on in our hearts forever.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ocumel Canada at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/save-your-skin-foundation/campaign/ocumel-canada/.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Susan Griffith
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BRENT COOKE Hi Kelly:
I’m sure you don’t remember me as I have been gone from the RBCM for nearly 20 years however, I just wanted to offer my condolences to you and your family at this time of loss. I hope that you will continue to inspire the people around you with your enthusiasm for the natural world. Even my sister remembers you says the “nice guy” who arranged specimen loans for her grade 3 classes.
I wish you and your family the best of luck in all of your future endeavors.Smiles,
Brent Cooke
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Susan Hickman Dear Kelly and family,
I was shocked and saddened to hear that Linda had passed away. My thoughts are with you all as you walk through this sorrowful time.Heartfelt condolences, Susan
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Marion Hutchinson I am so sorry for your loss.
I worked in the School Program with QACCH and that’s where I met Linda. In the early 90’s Linda referred a client on to me with the name of Jenna. This Jenna was so surprised and pleased when she learned that Linda named her daughter Jenna.
I always enjoyed working with Linda because she was so calm, so concerned about her clients and just a genuine and caring person.
Again, my condolences to you and your family.
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Don Bourdon Dear Kelly and family,
We were so sorry to hear about Linda. Though we did not know her, we did know that she must have provided profound support to you in your life, in the lives of your children and to all those she helped through her calling. You are in our thoughts today and during our forest walks.
Don Bourdon and Margery Hadley
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Kathleen von Kanel I was deeply saddened to read of Linda’s death. In her role as a Physiotherapist at QA she worked with our son. Her kindness and professionalism during the years of care she provided to Peter were greatly appreciated.
May her memory be a blessing to her family.
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Christine and Michael We are so very sorry to hear of Linda’s passing. We enjoyed our camping in Tofino and will think of her whenever we are there, especially when we try to identify the local fauna.
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Jemma Templeton My heart felt condolences to Linda’s loved ones and supports!
I had the privilege to be along-side Linda in support of her from 30 February-9 April, 2024. She stuck me as as such a kind, bubbly, resilient, and family first lovely human. I will always remember her realism, tenacity, strength and her wish to lean into the moments in life with those she loved-even amidst the challenges.
Thanks, Linda for teaching me so much in such a short time! Your light will always shine!
Jemma Templeton
Dear Kelly and family,
I was so very sorry to hear about Linda.
She and I started working at QA around the same time, many years ago, and I always enjoyed catching up with her whenever our paths crossed. We particularly enjoyed sharing stories about our kids, who were of similar age. She was kind, gentle and warm, and will be missed by everyone who knew her.