Obituary of LINDA MARIE ROURKE (MITCHELL)

Linda Marie Mitchell was born April 25, 1954 to Arthur Murray Mitchell and Marie Elizabeth Morin Mitchell in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Part of a large blended family, Linda was close with many of her siblings, often helping her mother.  She was also especially close with her father and spent a lot of time with him until his passing in 1977, which greatly affected her. 

Although she was a city girl, Linda often talked about how she enjoyed spending time out in the country when she was younger.  At one point, Linda and her brother Bobby even won a Ukrainian dance contest out in Stead, Manitoba with their impressive jigging skills.  She especially loved the trips to Traverse Bay to visit with family and friends, and fondly told stories about her Mooshim, Kookum, Grandma Bush and other elders. 

As a teenager Linda had the usual struggles, becoming a parent to her first born, Phillip, at only 15.  With her parent's support in raising him, she continued her education and later in life going on to study towards being an educational assistant.

Linda met Jim Ednie and they married in 1977 sharing together a son, Sandy.  Unfortunately, they parted ways after only a few years.

Linda loved music, singing and dancing and could often be heard playing the greats like Frank Sinatra and old school country artists like Loretta Lynn and Charlie Pride.  Her favorite artist to sing Karaoke to was Patsy Cline.  As a social butterfly, she loved to entertain and was the life of the party.  She enjoyed hanging out with her friends.  Nothing made her happier than hosting a table full of friends and family, all enjoying a delicious home-cooked meal lovingly prepared by her.  Linda had a hilarious sense of humor and loved a good joke, so it wasn't uncommon to see her smiling and hear her infectious laughter.

Although she was not wealthy, Linda was kind and generous with a big heart, often sharing what little she had with anyone who needed it.   Quite often, she could be found offering family or friends a bed and a warm meal.

Although she only had 2 children, Linda loved kids and had a very special bond with her grandchildren, nieces and nephews, hosting many birthday parties and Easter egg hunts. She also had many "adopted children" that considered her like a mom. It wasn't uncommon to find her giving out popsicles to the kids on her block on a hot day. It was her love of children that led her to work in several group homes, connecting with troubled and disabled youth. 

Linda loved Halloween and dressing up, even going as far as dressing up as her own brother one year, fooling most of the people that ran into her.  She loved going to "The Station" and was often quite lucky on the machines.

In 1997, Linda met her true love and partner Douglas Rourke, when they were reintroduced by friends and instantly connected. They married on her birthday the following year in 1998 and never looked back. They had many wonderful times and family celebrations over their 28 years together. 

Linda developed several health challenges over the years which slowly restricted her mobility.  Doug lovingly continued to care for her at home and they remained together until her passing Saturday March 8, 2025 at Concordia Hospital.   

Linda is survived by her loving husband Douglas Rourke, her sons Phillip (Melanie), Sandy (Cindy); her siblings Jeannie, William (Bill), Leonard and her many grandchildren Christine, Phillip Jr., Samantha, Kayla, Elizabeth, Calvin, Jordan, and Carlie; great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

She was predeceased by her father Arthur, mother Elizabeth, siblings David (Barry), Ralph, Jack, Dorothy, Agnes, Jeanie, Dennis, and Robert (Bobby).

Rest peacefully now that you are reunited with your loved ones passed.

"Fly high like an eagle, you are finally home and free of all your pain".

Memorial Service Friday March 21, 2025, 2:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street.

Private Family interment to take place at a later date.