Linda Marie Bowman was a woman whose life was filled with love, strength, and an unwavering devotion to her family. She was first diagnosed with lung cancer in her late thirties, when her children were still very young (daughter Morgan was 8, son Dylan was 3). Even through surgery, radiation, and countless follow-up appointments in Winnipeg, Linda always made sure her first priority was her family. She would plan her treatments and trips so that she could be home in time for school pick-ups, determined to keep life as normal as possible for her kids.
To those who knew her, Linda was full of kindness and compassion. She had a gift for connecting with children, spending many years working as a childcare educator with the City of Kenora and, later on in her career, being the friendly, smiling face behind the front desk greeting customers and families upon arrival at the Kenora Recreation centre. To her own family, she was “Mimi” – a loving grandmother who cherished the time she was able to spend with her eldest granddaughter, Piper Marie, whom she adored, prior to her passing.
Because of her own experience, Linda understood how hard it was to travel long distances for medical care. Every scan, test, and treatment meant time away from home, extra costs, and added stress. It is a reality that too many families in our community still face.
In her loving memory, Linda’s three granddaughters (Piper Marie, Aurora Linda and Presley Linae) are proud to have made a special donation to the Beyond The Scan Campaign to bring advanced diagnostic services to Kenora. This gift is a reflection of who Linda was; a woman who cared deeply about family, children, and community. By supporting care closer to home, her legacy of love will continue to touch the lives of many families for years to come.