Haveling, Linda

Born May 14, 1954 to Joan and Patrick Fitzsimonds, joining brother Tim and sister Laura. Her father was a Navy man, with the family being stationed in various Canadian cities before settling in Victoria. These formative years by the sea gave Linda her love of woodlands and waterways, and the flora and fauna that live there. She brought her passion for natural history wherever life took her, and was a font of knowledge of the natural world.
Linda’s quest for God led her through various flavours of spirituality, including Buddhism, transcendentalism, and finally, Christianity. It was while a member of the Holy Order of Mans, a religious Christian order, that she was introduced to both her future husband, and Orthodox Christianity. Finally finding home, she would remain a devout Orthodox Christian for the rest of her life. Her faith was quiet and true, as unassuming as she was.
She and Wayne were good friends on parallel paths for ten years, working together at youth group and church events. In 1989, Linda had just returned from a sojourn at a monastery in Alaska. She and Wayne happened to be the last to leave church after a youth event and suddenly, sparks flew. They were married four months later.
Her dedication and willingness to give her utmost was then poured into their family life. She spent years working night shifts while her girls were young, supporting Wayne in his return to university and a new career. As her daughters grew, she brought all her fierce love, enthusiasm, and humble forbearance to being a homeschool mom in the relative Wild West of the 90’s. Never let it be said that she was a pushover. She taught her children the power of the Jesus prayer, of meditation, humility of spirit, and work ethic, while also imbuing the importance of speaking to be heard. Yet nothing in her life compared to her devotion to her grandchildren. They were the delight of her eyes, and she made them feel so every single day. As a grandmother, she was the ultimate playmate, confidante, and source of consolation.
She was unwavering in her service of others. She washed neighbours’ cars, she fixed her friends’ household appliances, she showed up with tools and food when help was needed. She had a fascination for the working of things, be it car engines, sourdough recipes, or the hearts of people. Her rare gift of being able to talk to anyone was accompanied by the even rarer gift of being someone that anyone could talk to. She could make you laugh, while also plumbing into the woe you thought you had hidden from her.
She was predeceased by her parents, Patrick and Joan. She leaves behind her best friend/husband, Wayne, her two daughters, Kelsy and Julia, four grandchildren, her brother Tim (Pam), her sister Laura (Ken), nieces Shay, Erica, and Kelly, great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as many god-children.
​Linda will be remembered with funeral services held at St. Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church, 7221 198B Street, Langley, BC

• Saturday Sept. 7 at around 7:30pm Panikhida served after Great Vespers which starts at 6:30pm
• Sunday Sept. 8 at 7:00pm, Linda will be brought home to the church for an all-night vigil for those who are able to keep watch and would like to pay their respects.
• Monday Sept. 9 at 10:00am Funeral Service. Funeral will be streamed via Zoom. 
  Join Zoom Meeting
  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82436161194?pwd=MRJSdI0KiLJjmIManTOMaiebyCUmkj.1
  Meeting ID: 824 3616 1194
  Passcode: 888365
  - Burial to follow at Heritage Gardens Cemetery, 19082 16th Avenue, Surrey.​

A reception will be held at the cemetery immediately after the burial. All are invited to attend. Finger food and refreshments will be provided. Those who wish may bring a dessert to share.
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Donations in Linda's Memory may be directed to St. Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church for use in their continual growth and building.

May Her Memory Be Eternal!