Linda Annabelle Kearns (née Cribbin)

Linda Annabelle Kearns (née Cribbin) passed away peacefully on Friday, July 31, 2026, surrounded by her family. Born in Toronto, Ontario, on May 16, 1940, Linda lived a full life grounded in faith, family, friendship, and service to others.

Linda was predeceased by her beloved husband, Terrence (Terry) Kearns, in 2013. Linda and Terry shared 50 years of marriage, raising their three sons and building a life together that took them to several communities across Ontario. They enjoyed many adventures together, whether heading off on a camping trip or spending a day antiquing in search of an interesting find. Over the years, Linda called Toronto, Mississauga, Sault Ste. Marie, Simcoe, and most recently London home, while also enjoying time in Florida following retirement.

Linda was immensely proud of her three sons and their families: Glen and his wife Shelly, and their daughters Allison and Emma; Christopher and his wife Nancy, and their children David (Cailin Hesketh-Jost), Emily (Nick Breitenbach), and Benjamin; and Tim and his wife Kim, and their daughters Lucy and Ivy. Linda was also delighted to become a great-grandmother to Emily and Nick’s son, Leon. Time spent visiting with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandson was among her greatest joys.

She is also survived by her brother, Anthony Cribbin and his wife Helen; her sister-in-law, Colleen Dodds; and her dear friend, Jane Levie. Linda was predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Iva Cribbin.

Linda trained as a nurse before devoting many years to raising her family. Once her sons reached high school, she embarked on another chapter of her career, working at the Sault Ste. Marie Museum, curating and looking after their collection of historical artifacts.

Service to others was a constant throughout Linda’s life. Over the years, she volunteered her time and talents with many organizations and causes, including Mississauga Recyling, Christian Women’s Club, Pioneers Canada, Bibles for Missions, and helping newcomers to Canada learn conversational English. She was always willing to help and, perhaps just as importantly, always ready to listen.

Linda’s Christian faith was central to her life. She was active in her church communities, led Bible studies, and lived her faith through her care and concern for others.

Linda enjoyed an active social life and treasured the many friendships she developed throughout the different chapters and communities of her life. Her calendar was often filled with coffee and lunch dates, and she loved welcoming people into her home. She enjoyed preparing meals for family and friends, sometimes turning to a well-loved old recipe and other times trying something new she had discovered online. There was often a freshly baked pie or a pan of squares to accompany a cup of tea or a glass of wine.

Linda was also a gifted textile artist. She spent many hours creating intricate, framed pieces of textile art, often making them especially for friends and those she loved. These pieces, made and given with care, remain treasured reminders of Linda’s creativity and generosity.

Linda had a wonderful sense of humour and was quick to smile and laugh. That sense of humour stayed with her throughout her life; even in the days just before her passing, she could still make her family laugh out loud with a perfectly timed comment. She enjoyed travelling and the adventures she shared with friends, and valued the many friendships she made and maintained over the years.

Through all the places she lived and the many chapters of her life, Linda remained someone who made time for others. She was always willing to help, always ready to listen, and always happy to share a visit. She will be deeply missed by her family and by the many friends whose lives she touched.

Friends and family are invited to gather at Westview Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 709 Wonderland Road North, London for visitation, which will be held on Sunday, August 16, 2026 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., and again on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.  The funeral service will follow the visitation on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow at 12:00 p.m.

A private family burial will take place at 3:00 p.m. at Baird’s Cemetery in Varna, Ontario.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Linda’s memory are invited to make a memorial donation to Pioneers Canada or to a charity of their choice.