Linda Elaine Wright (nee Smith)

With sadness we announce the passing of Linda Wright on January 6, 2025 at 81 years of age.  

She is lovingly remembered by husband Alan Wright; daughter Amanda Wright (Bartosz Rucinski); grandson Jakub Rucinski; sisters Winona Otsuji and Debbie Smith; sisters-in-law Linda Smith, Susanne Wright, and Jeanie (Deric) Affleck; brothers-in-law John (Charlene) Wright and Paul Wright; and various nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, one great grandnephew, and many dear friends. She was predeceased by her parents Jack and Sarah Smith, brothers Grant and Gayle Smith, and brothers-in-law Ronald Wright and George Otsuji.  

Linda was born September 23, 1943, the eldest child of Jack and Sarah Smith. She graduated from Portage Collegiate Institute and went on to complete her teaching certificate. After a couple years teaching in Manitoba she decided to teach abroad to see more of the world. However, ever a practical person she ultimately opted to head to PEI rather than Australia. This proved to be a particularly wise choice as it was in Montague that she met fellow teacher Alan Wright. After a brief courtship they married in 1969 and after a couple cross country moves they finally settled in Portage la Prairie shortly after the birth of their daughter Amanda. Linda also later went on to complete her bachelor of education at U of M in 1994, a major accomplishment that she was particularly proud of. Over the years, Linda taught at many local schools including YQS, EPCS, and PCI where she met several colleagues who became lifelong friends. Following her official retirement she continued to work in adult and post secondary education as well for several years.  

Linda’s most memorable trait was undoubtedly her sense of humour. Her dry wit and snappy one liners always livened up a conversation. She took particular joy in finding ways to gently annoy those she loved the most, the best example of this being her factually questionable account of her and Alan’s first date which still gets a reaction 57 years later. She also loved to read, a gift which she loved to share with younger generations through decades of thoughtful book selections. She also enjoyed time spent with her book club friends as it allowed her to combine reading and a little chat. Linda’s other great love was music. She grew up singing with her siblings and continued to do so throughout her life. She also played the piano and was a talented accompanist. But she loved singing the most be it in a choir, in church, or at random moments throughout the day. If there was a way to work a song into something, she could find it. This love of music also translated into holding season tickets with various arts organizations but most consistently the WSO. 

There is no easy way to summarize a life lived as fully as Linda’s. She loved and was loved much by those around her and the void she leaves in her wake is immeasurable. She will be missed, she will be grieved, and she will always be loved.  

Linda’s life will be celebrated privately by her family.  

In lieu of flowers or other expressions of sympathy the family encourages donations to CancerCare Manitoba.  

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com