Linda Christianson

In sorrow we announce that Linda Ardelle Christianson passed away on Thursday April 11th, 2019.

Born to George and Jessie Sanderson in 1953, her mother passed when Linda was an infant. She spent her first year in the care of her Aunt Lizzie and Uncle Jimmy Caskey whom she always maintained a deep affection and gratitude for. Upon George's re-marriage to Alice Sanderson, Linda returned to her caring family on the farm near the Oakland corner North of Portage la Prairie. Linda spent most of the rest of her life in the Portage area, aside from attending University in Winnipeg.

In 1971 Linda married her great love Barry Christianson and together they shared 48 years of life, travel and adventures. Through it all they were deeply devoted to each other, remained as affectionate to each other at the end as they were at the start and were almost never apart. During that 48 years Linda and Barry raised three children, Jed, Bess and Ben and are proud grandparents to Jack, Grace, Loen and Paige.

Linda obtained her physiotherapy degree in 1973 and practiced in the Portage General Hospital until her retirement in 2018. Through that period she helped a great many people in Portage and surrounding communities.

Linda was also very involved in the community. She volunteered with Sunset Palliative Care as treasurer for many years. She was also a coach with the Central Region Special Olympics organization from the inception of the Portage team until her health would no longer let her. She very much enjoyed working with the kids in the Special Olympics program and believed wholeheartedly in what the organization stood for.

Family connection was a core value to Linda, we relied on her to keep the both the Christianson and Sanderson extended families connected. Linda was also an important aunt and mother figure to many nieces and nephews. Warm hearted and welcoming, Linda was an excellent hostess and was never happier than when surrounded by friends and family at home or her cottage at Delta Beach.

Linda is predeceased by her brothers Gerry and Bob.

Linda will be deeply missed by many.

A come and go memorial reception will be held on Saturday, April 20th, 2019 between 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Portage Fair Board Office on Island Park.  Private family interment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Special Olympics Manitoba – Central Region 305 – 29 5th Street SE, Portage la Prairie, MB   R1N 1H9 or Sunset Palliative Care Box 92, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3B2.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021