LINDA ELIZABETH HODGES MURRAY

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LINDA ELIZABETH HODGES MURRAY Linda Murray died peacefully, at the age of 69, on January 14, 2018 at the St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba after a lengthy illness. Linda was born on Easter Sunday, March 28, 1948 in Flin Flon, Manitoba to parents Geoffrey and Dorothy Hodges. Linda and her sister Pat grew up on Green Street where many lifetime friendships were formed. Linda is survived by her husband Gerald Lypka (33 years), her sister Pat Mowat (Ian), her niece Heather and nephew David, and her Murray and Hodges cousins. She will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege to know her. Linda loved life. She was a strong woman both mentally and physically. She was a three-time cancer survivor and overcame many serious health challenges during her life. As a result, she had a resolve to fully embrace and celebrate life. She especially loved her birthdays. She was generous in giving her time to friends and family. Linda completed a BA at the University of Winnipeg, a Master of Divinity at the Vancouver School of Theology and a Master of Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Winnipeg. Her professional work as a United Church minister and a Marriage and Family Therapist reflected her faith and her desire for people to be whole in mind, body and spirit. She was always attentive to the issues of love and justice for all humans beings. Linda served the United Church of Canada from 1978 until her retirement in 2006. She was the covenanted minister at McKenzie United Church in Portage la Prairie, and Riverview United, Young United, Trinity United and Donnelly United in Winnipeg. She also served as Campus Minister at the University of Manitoba and as Conference Personnel Minister for the Conference of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. Linda worked as a Marriage and Family Therapist for over 20 years. She continued to enjoy her work as a therapist until her hospitalization in December 2017. In addition to her professional work, Linda was a mentor, supporter and coach to every person she met. Linda was always willing to help and listen to others. Linda and Gerry had many incredible canoeing and wilderness camping trips. She loved to travel - Mexico, Maui, Spain, Southeast Asia, Tahiti, Baker Lake, Utah and many trips in Canada. Summer blueberry picking in Flin Flon was always a highlight. She loved music and enjoyed both the Winnipeg and Brandon folk festivals. Later in life, Linda became a very talented water colour artist. A special thanks to the staff at St. Boniface Hospital for their amazing care of Linda and for their support to her family. Thanks also to Linda's friends and her community of faith who prayed and supported Linda and the family. Memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 20, 2018 at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue (across from Brookside Cemetery). In lieu of flowers, donations, can be made to The Arthritis Society. 100A-1465 Buffalo Place, Winnipeg, MB R3T 1L8. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 18, 2018