Linda Annabelle Kearns (née Cribbin)
May 16, 1940 - July 31, 2026
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 Recycling, 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. For those unable to attend the service a livestream is available. To register for the livestream click on Remembering Linda
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.
Leave a tribute for Linda Annabelle Kearns (née Cribbin)
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Our sincere condolences to Linda’s family. We were so blessed to have had her in our lives. Prayers and sympathies as you say your goodbyes
Linda was a wonderful human being who I was lucky to know. My deepest condolences to Glen, Chris and Tim. I had the opportunity to meet her 11 years ago when she came to Madrid with Jane. She showed me to love the beauty of Canada, incredible people and taught me so many things which will be valuable in my life. We shared the contact over the years, just to talk about life. I just have good memories and I had the hope to see her again one day…but life will be less kind without her. I will always remember her with love, especially each time I see a Tim Horton 🤍
I feel very fortunate to have known Linda and to have kept in touch with her over so many years. She was such a kind and thoughtful person and I will always treasure the memories and conversations we shared. My deepest condolences to Tim, Glen, Chris and all of Linda’s family. Her family meant so much to her, and it was always clear how deeply she cared for you all. Rest peacefully, Linda.
Linda was a gem of a lady. So helpful to me , my wife Nancy and my mom Dorothy. Always finding a way to comfort others. The world would be a better place today with a lot more Linda and Terry's. My sincere condolences to Glenn, Chris and Tim and their families. Bob Hill
I wish i was able to attend and see that beautiful quilt i was told about. It was an honour to get to know her and your family. Thank you for trusting me in your most difficult moments. My deepest sympathies for Glen, Tim, and Chris as well as the rest of the family❤️
We are so sorry to know Linda has passed. She was a wonderful friend to her family and especially to our mother Nancy, and father, Bob. We send our deepest condolences to Linda’s loved ones. May her memory be a blessing.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Linda’s passing. Linda was a dear friend for many years, and I will always treasure the many conversations, visits, laughter and memories we shared along the way. I feel very fortunate to have called Linda my friend. I will remember her with great affection and will miss her dearly. My deepest sympathy to her family during this very sad time. Jean Hunter
I met Linda through Timothy many decades ago. Tim shared many stories of his parents, and growing up in the soo - and I was always amazed at what a loving, supportive, and warm Mom and Dad he had. Frankly, I was jealous! And then in recent years, I was lucky enough to spend a bit of time with Linda myself - Tim asked if I could go maybe go out to the Toronto airport and meet her since she'd have a bit of a wait for the bus to London. Well... Not only did she recognize me right away (it's probably been a decade), but I also got to experience some of that warm Mom energy myself. We had a great chat about everything. She treated me both like an old friend, and also like a Mom - with great interest in how my life was going. I felt really supported and loved. It was awesome. A great Saturday night date. : ) What a lovely lady, and super amazing human. Tim, Chris, and Glen (and your families) - you were so lucky to have her for so long. But yes, the world is a bit less warm and loving without her. Thinking of all of you, and I'm sorry for your loss.
Taken on an outing in one of those special visits.
I lived on a farm in MacGillivray Township, she was a city girl who lived in Toronto, a world away. But every summer of my childhood was spent at least in part with Linda. She and Anthony always came for a holiday at Grandma’s on the farm next door. Sometimes I went back with them to the big city. It was magical. Those years left wonderful memories. Life drew us apart as we grew older but never out of touch. I was lucky to see her for a visit last summer in London. I loved her and miss my dear cousin and friend very much. May she rest in peace. Our hearts go out to her wonderful family . I have not met many of you but I feel I know you. And a special hug to Anthony. I know you and Helen and your family will miss her too.
My deepest condolences, love, and prayers go out to Linda’s family during this difficult time. May the Lord comfort and strengthen each of you. Linda was a friend who will be missed. I first met Linda at WestPark Church back in 2015, and I’m so grateful that God brought her into my life. Over the years, we shared many wonderful conversations. I always enjoyed hearing her speak so lovingly and proudly about her boys and her family. Her love for them was evident in the way she talked about them. Most of all, I will remember Linda for her strong faith in Jesus. She loved the Lord, and it was a blessing to know someone whose faith was such an important part of her life. Although my heart is saddened by her passing, I find comfort in knowing that Linda is now with her Lord and Saviour. I’m thankful for the memories, the conversations, and the friendship we shared.
Linda became my sister-in-law in 1962. She fitted into our family in every way. For my parents she was a loving spouse to my brother, Terry, and became the mother of three wonderful sons. We shared many years of raising children, exchanging recipes, and always being there for each other. Linda's strong faith was always an inspiration and I am thankful for the blessing of her open heart and joyful spirit. She will be greatly missed.
A donation has been made to Pioneers.
A donation has been made to Pioneers Canada.
Dear Glen Chris Tim and families Our family was saddened to hear of Linda’s death and we send you sincere condolences. Our friendship goes back to the early 70’s and includes many happy memories with your family. Love to all of you The Krokker’s
A donation has been made to Pioneers Canada. Message from the donator: In memory of Linda Kearns
Services for Linda Annabelle Kearns (née Cribbin)
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
August 16, 2026 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
August 18, 2026 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Funeral Service will be held at:
Westview Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
August 18, 2026 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Additional Service information
A reception will follow the funeral service at noon.
To register for the livestream click on Remembering Linda
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Pioneers Canada
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I was so sad to hear of Linda’s passing. She was a very dear friend and supported me in many ways while my husband pastored in Simcoe. We shared correspondence through cards and emails and phone calls after she moved to London. I will miss her so much. Thank you Linda for your example of kindness and love. Praying for your family.
~ Judy Faulkner