Linda Zema

Friends and family are invited to gather at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa on Saturday February 19th after 1 p.m. followed by the Memorial Service at 2 p.m. Due to COVID restrictions, please register your in-person attendance at the Memorial Service by registering here.

To obtain a link to view the service online via livestream click here.

Linda Zema beloved wife of Myles Macpherson for 24 years and devoted mother of Arielle died peacefully on Friday, February 11, 2022

She was born in Montreal on Friday, April 3, 1959 a week after Good Friday. Linda grew up in the neighbourhood of Papineau and Jean Talon but lived in many areas of Montreal as her parents’ employment required.

It was in the fourth grade, during her early years in Rosemere, that Linda met her dearest lifelong friend Diane St. Laurent.  No matter where Linda and Diane were in their respective lives they would always reconnect as if they had never spent time apart. Linda also attended both John F Kennedy and Rosemount High Schools.

Due to family circumstances, Linda had to give up her desire to attend CEGEP, and so, earlier than she wished, she began her working life to help support her family.

For over 46 years, Linda worked in administration, accounting and payroll at various Montreal firms. She was always noted for her dedication and attention to detail. It was often said of her, “If you want to get the job done, give it to Linda!“

Linda was an avid reader of mystery and thriller novels.  She especially enjoyed reading Agatha Christie’s novels and the James bond series. She was a bowler, an amateur dancer and regularly attended exercise classes.  She equally enjoyed spending quiet time with family playing games, building puzzles and watching comedies.

Never wanting to be in the limelight Linda’s life goal was always to ardently nurture and support her family and friends in their endeavours.  She worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure their success.  This underrated devotion to others was an intrinsic aspect of her personality which, unfortunately, didn’t merit her any tangible awards or accolades. Not that she expected!

And it is this intrinsic aspect of her being - her mission and passion in life to support and nurture her family - that she excelled and achieved her life‘s goal. Even during her illness, she continued to support her daughter, Arielle with her current studies to obtain her Masters of Science in Psychoeducation.  Linda was Arielle’s « SUPER FAN », supporting her beloved daughter in all her passions.

Linda was a woman of action. She was strong and courageous, honest and true! Her loyalty to others was second to none!

These worthy attributes ensured that Arielle grew to be the fine and independent woman she is today. We thank Linda for this and we can say that she remains with us through Arielle.

Upon receiving the devastating news of her cancer, Linda fought hard every day for her life. It was her deepest desire to see Arielle graduate from university and to become a « MAMIECHOU » or grandmother and it saddens us deeply that for her it was not to be.

Linda was proud to be surrounded by her family and friends. She was happy in the knowledge that while she was with us, she did GOOD!