Obituary of Lynda Marie Bockus

Lynda Bockus

A fighter until the end, Lynda knew what strength and courage really meant. Her ability to persevere and face challenges was witnessed time and time again. Her will to live, her want to share in family celebrations and in sorrows, and her presence and ability to provide for her family, truly had no limits. Her love and devotion of family and friends could be felt in her hand squeezes, her hugs, her laughter, smiles, and her love that bridged the distances, reaching those from near and afar. A true matriarch, she provided guidance and support throughout her life’s journeys.

One of 4 siblings, Lynda was born in Welland ON on June 7th 1951 to her parents Frederick and Betty (nee Pake) Eden. The eldest, she watched over her sisters, Jocelyn and Wendy.

Sisterly love shone through in ways such as the usual, who was doing the dishes and the watching over Jocelyn when Wendy was born. And shared memories between the two abounded such as playing house in the secret room below the stairs, accessed through the kitchen cupboard and the excitement of the reveal of their new identical Christmas outfits, handmade by their mom.

Wendy, 10 years younger, felt her big sister’s love in many ways, such as playing with her outside, enjoying the double swing with her and the many adventures around Wakeham when Lynda and family visited Gaspe, Quebec.

It was back in Ontario and high school that she met then married Richard Bockus, bearing Shelley and Brian. Living with a sailor who was away 9 months of the year was a challenge but she was strong and determined, providing for her family, teaching them rights and wrongs, and demonstrating how important family truly is in everyone’s life. Family surrounded us in traditions, beliefs and culture that she drew upon, making our happy home.

In Northeastern Ontario, she exhibited her hard work, providing for her family to make ends meet. There were things like canning, gardening, quilting, knitting and crocheting to be done too. School events, Christmas Concerts, and Fall Fairs saw her practicing with her children, helping them to make and create, and to be proud of the work accomplished through her encouragement and dedication to family.

Helping to raise 2 generations, she inspired everyone to never give up, to always put your best foot forward, and that challenges were best overcome by facing them head on, and by being brave, all while having candor and tenacity. Her grandchildren, Sara, Justin and Brandon, were first and foremost in her life too when family challenges drew upon her support once again. Her stead-fast hand was unwavering while her wisdom and experience helped them to feel safe, secure and loved while growing up.

She loved her great grandchildren too, appreciating the pictures and visits of Maverick, Killian and Everett, while marvelling in their growth and development.

Lynda loved to travel. She looked forward to trips to Gaspe, and the United States with family, enjoying the company, the experiences and the views that road trips bring.

Finding herself in a wheelchair from a disease that she battled her entire life didn’t prevent her from living life to its fullest. She loved her games, her movies and television shows too. She was a pro at Dr. Mario and Mario Kart, and loved to watch Golden Girls and Bewitched. Her favourite book and movie was Gone With the Wind. She made friends wherever she went.

Lynda had many careers throughout her life, homemaker, factory line engineer, waitress, cook, mail carrier and school bus driver. But the most important role for her was that of being Mom, Grandma and GG and being there to provide for her family.

She loved and continues to be loved by those who miss her presence but are comforted by her memories, that helped shaped who they are and have become through her love, her support and her commitment to family. May her strength and courage shine in all of us as we carry with us her values and her beliefs.

Lynda is predeceased by her parents Frederick and Betty, her brother Frederick Jr., an infant daughter, and her son-in-law Dale Osborne. She is survived by her sisters Jocelyn (Al) Legros, and Wendy Eden, her children, Shelley Osborne (Tim VanWyck), Brian and Tammy (Wood) Bockus, her grandchildren Sara, Cora (Ryan), Justin, and Brandon (Kaitline), her great-grandchildren Maverick, Killian, and Everett, and by many aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

In memory of Lynda, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.

A Celebration of Life and burial for Lynda will be held next summer, in Wakeham, Gaspe, Quebec, where she will be laid to rest alongside her parents and at the foot of the Appalachians, the place she endeared her entire life, and that she referred to as home.