Hello, my name is Nancy Jones and I live in Nelson. There was a time, however, staring in 1974 when I lived in Cranbrook and worked in the same school, Amy Woodland, with Linda. Six years does not seem a long time in a 40 year career but it was a time when a lifelong friendship developed and I was the recipient of many of Linda’s gifts.
She drew us together, those of us who were single, enthusiastic new teachers, and we became a close knit group – Dianna, Linda O, Wally, Penny, Marjorie and others. Bud graciously welcomed us. We often shared meals mainly at the Abbott’s with Linda creating wonderful dinner for her new family and circle of friends. We all benefited from Linda’s love and generosity.
In particular, I remember her gifts to me. During that time, I gained a new appreciation of music and theatre. We battled the road to Kimberley during the winter to hear the symphony or watch the ballet. Linda and I attended music festivals to support our kids and we were often the only audience members but we spent the time and the knitting and crocheting got done. I first heard the term “front of house” as I helped her to sell tickets at “The Studio” and was able to see a number of wonder plays –the best were always the pantomimes in which the old woman character with her sense of humour and talented acting ability seemed to be very familiar. Linda was always there—the most avid fan.
She spent some time teaching me how to crochet and cross stitch and soon my family and friends were receiving homemade gifts that we had worked on together. A visit to another city always included a trip to the craft stores to look for a new rug to hook or a tapestry to stitch.
Another gift I received, as many of you have also, was the sharing of Linda’s love of reading—for me, mainly the mystery and fantasy writers. I soon found myself searching the bookstores for all of the Agatha Christie collection because it was important to have the whole series. Whenever I needed a new author, I would turn to Linda for a suggestion and I always enjoyed her choices.
One of my fondest memories is the day of Linda’s and Bud’s wedding which was a joyous occasion. The choir of Grade 3 students singing a tribute to Linda during the ceremony was especially touching. And what a party…… the house of 4th Avenue rocked!
Linda and I shared a love of teaching. Her passion and hard work resulted in her becoming an outstanding teacher, respected by the whole community. She knew exactly what needed to be done. I was surprised one year to find that although I was assigned a Grade 5 class, I was also teaching Grade 1 art in Linda’s room. I think she knew I needed a bit of primary in order to keep me humble. I was also surprised to discover that my last 2 weeks in August were always organized as we planned our fall lessons at Linda’s kitchen table where we made copious Gestetner masters for those old “ditto” machines. It was an honor to teach with Linda, to witness her ability to hold all of the children in her loving heart. She embraced the new innovations and never allowed complacency to become part of her teaching.
Linda’s commitment to education and literacy continued into her retirement as she co-ordinated the One to One Reading Programme. She also supervised many student teachers, ensuring that new teachers coming into the system were well prepared and qualified.
I truly did learn many things from Linda but no matter how hard she tried, she was unable to turn me into a cook. Perhaps it was because she was always feeding me. I think I ate at the Abbott’s for a month after my father died.
Linda seemed to know what everyone needed. This (holding up a little red book) is a recipe book that she started for me, including in it some of our friends’ favourite dishes. So maybe this next month I will make Linda’s salmon loaf and her coconut apricot bars, knowing that she is probably making someone a wonderful meal and inviting them to her heavenly table.
