It is with love and respect the family of Linda Gail Harwood announce her passing on Tuesday October 1, 2024. Her loss is completely unexpected, and everyone is profoundly saddened. Beloved mother of Isaac; loving partner of Barry Wismer (deceased); and nurturing spirit to Ian (Jazzlyne) and Anne (Tony) Wismer. Devotedly cherished sister to Barbara (Bill) Bartley of Wiarton, and Douglas Gould of Calgary. She will forever be remembered by her grandchildren who brought her so much joy – Kingston, Maya, and Leelu, Tyler, Jessica and Danielle. Linda was so proud of her nieces and nephews: Rhonda, Melissa, Kevin, Drew, and Graham. Linda will be greatly missed by her “sisters from another mother”- Peggy Coffey, Joanna Stokes and Patty Pizziola. George and Mary Stokes will forever treasure the memory of their “4th daughter”. Predeceased by her parents Gordon and Betty Harwood. Linda was a good listener, Coronation Street/Y&R fan, world traveler, keeper of secrets, and general merry maker. Wherever she went others wanted to be there. Linda appeared on the TV show Cash Cab, met Bryan Adams backstage at a concert, and, in New Orleans, chatted with Robert Plant and Jimmy Page. Always up for a dance party, she was named Party Teacher by her students. Linda taught in Port Elgin for 32 years, starting at Port Elgin Saugeen Central School and spending most of her career at Northport Elementary School. Linda loved being a teacher, and as her students will tell you, made a lasting positive impact on their lives. Linda enjoyed laughing, music, and lighthearted fun. Her ubiquitous sense of humor and warm smile were always welcoming. With her indomitable positive attitude and unwavering patience, she handled the hard stuff. Linda was a loyal true friend. Her departure comes as a great shock and a deep wound, and it is gravely felt by her entire family, friends and countless others who loved her throughout her wide community network. Friends are invited to gather with them for a Celebration of Life Come and Go from 1-4 pm at the Thomas C. Whitcroft Peninsula Chapel, 272 Berford St., Wiarton, (519) 534-5341 on Tuesday October 8, 2024. There will be a Time of Sharing at 2 o’clock. In lieu of flowers, donations in Linda’s memory can be made to Northport Elementary School Port Elgin. Condolences may be expressed online at www.whitcroftfuneralhome.com
Date of Funeral
October 8, 2024
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Tammy Thurtell says
October 3, 2024 at 1:44 pmPlease accept my heartfelt condolences.
kathy hellyer says
October 3, 2024 at 2:42 pmThis is so shocking!! sending condolences to all of her family and friends.
Susan Dunlop says
October 3, 2024 at 2:49 pmI am so sorry to hear of Linda’s passing. I send my condolences to all who will miss her.
Cathy Fenton says
October 3, 2024 at 3:03 pmI am so sorry to hear about Linda, she was a great person, a great teacher, and a good friend to many.
Marlene West says
October 3, 2024 at 3:21 pmBarb. I am so very sorry to learn of your Great shock and loss of your beloved sister Linda. Sending deepest sympathy and love.
Hugs,
Marlene
Carol Fleming says
October 3, 2024 at 3:30 pmSo sad my sincere condolences to Issac and the family she will be truly missed.
Rob & Carla Dunlop says
October 3, 2024 at 3:32 pmOur sincere condolences and sympathies on Linda’s passing.
Katherine Tew says
October 3, 2024 at 3:38 pmI was so sorry to hear of Linda’s passing. She will be missed. My condolences.
Paul & Angie Thede says
October 3, 2024 at 3:41 pmTo Linda`s family and close friends , Angie and I are beside are ourselves with the sudden passing of Linda this week . We`ll miss her sense of humor and I already miss her nightly waves to me when walk the dog every night and its hard to believe she’s with Barry now. Angie and I wish you the best and the days that lie ahead. Paul & Angie Thede
Karen and Gerry Moss says
October 3, 2024 at 3:54 pmWe were shocked and saddened to hear of Linda’s passing. Our sincere sympathies to her whole family and many friends.
Janie McFarland says
October 3, 2024 at 4:02 pmSorry to hear of Linda’s passing. My heart goes out to her family and friends 🙏🙏
Cheryl Rapke says
October 3, 2024 at 4:18 pmWishing sincere sympathies to All on the loss of Linda. Her warmth and kindness made her a great listener and friend. She will be sadly missed.
Bette Smegal says
October 3, 2024 at 4:33 pmI was shocked and saddened to hear of Linda’s passing. She was always full of fun and her students loved her. Condolences to Linda’s family.
Lynn and Michael McKain says
October 3, 2024 at 4:34 pmMy sincere condolences to Isaac and Linda’s family.
Linda had a kind and generous heart. Always smiling, always bubbly. The kids at Northport loved her, my son included. I will remember her beautiful smile and warmth.
Rhonda Smith says
October 3, 2024 at 4:48 pmI am ever so sorry for your great loss. I will always remember her and her Mom sitting in front of us at church when we were little. It is my hope that happy, loving memories carry you through the difficult days ahead
Heather Campbell says
October 3, 2024 at 5:17 pmMy sincere condolences. I enjoyed teaching with Linda for many years. I will miss her smile.
Angie Ellis says
October 3, 2024 at 5:19 pmThere are no words to express how saddened I am to hear this. She was a firecracker and will be truly missed. My deepest condolences.
Roberta Hays says
October 3, 2024 at 5:47 pmLinda and Barry could not have been kinder to me. Linda was an amazing colleague at Northport E.S.., over many years. When I commuted from London every week in 2003, I had a home away from home and music and joy a bonus..
Thanks for the awesome memories and amazing kindness.
Heartfelt condolences.
Alpaugh Family says
October 3, 2024 at 6:16 pmWarm condolences to family and friends ♥️
Sherry Draper says
October 3, 2024 at 6:57 pmAfter visiting the cemetery on Monday, the 30th, Linda stopped into my store for flowers. She instantly lit up when she saw me and we spent the better part of an hour reminiscing of our memories and catching up. Her bright smile, laugh, and strength was infectious that day!
A customer left the store, then returned just to ask if she was Linda as she recounted her memory of her parents and remembering Linda’s smile!
Linda’s love for her family and friends was
Overflowing as she talked of how loved she felt and how much fun she has had.
To learn of her passing such a short time after is shocking.
To have known her briefly or for a long time it was hard not to love that bright loving woman she was.
Condolences to Isaac and all of her family and friends. She will be missed!
Christine Robillard & Jim Brown says
October 3, 2024 at 7:18 pmWe are very shocked and deeply saddened with the sudden passing of Linda, gone way to soon! Our sincere condolences to her entire family and very close friends, she will be missed!
Susan Jamieson says
October 3, 2024 at 10:05 pmMy condolences to Linda’s family and Issac. Linda brought love and laughter into the classroom and her students were better for it. Linda and I spent many days just chatting at the end of a busy school day talking about life and education. I will miss our short chats as I pass by the house with the dogs. RIP dear friend.
Pam Elliott says
October 3, 2024 at 10:29 pmI am so very sorry to hear of Linda’s passing.
We enjoyed many good times and laughter when I worked in her room.
My heart felt condolences to Isaac and her family during this difficult time.
Christine McBrien says
October 4, 2024 at 8:41 amIt was heartbreaking to hear about Linda’s passing. Linda was loved by all the kids she taught for her compassion, understanding and fun loving ways. Isaac I am holding you in my heart.
doug daws says
October 4, 2024 at 10:27 amWe would like to offer condolences to Linda’s family on her passing.
From Connie and Doug Daws.
cheryl & russ borden says
October 4, 2024 at 12:20 pmHarwood, Wismer and Stokes families, our deepest sympathies on your loss of Linda.
May the light that has gone from your lives, live on forever in your many memories. Rest easy
Freda McKellar says
October 4, 2024 at 1:07 pmIsaac and family,
I am so saddened by your Mom’s passing. She had a beautiful soul and was truly one of the kindest people I have ever met. I was honoured to call her my good friend.
I will be thinking about you in the days and weeks to come. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. 💕💕
Julie & Richard Devereaux says
October 4, 2024 at 2:21 pmOur sincere condolences to Linda’s family. May her memory be a blessing.
Marcia Masuda says
October 4, 2024 at 5:39 pmI am so sorry to hear of about the loss of Linda. She was a very kind teacher and always had a smile. My sincere sympathies to her family. Marcia M
Lydia Kidd Ernst says
October 4, 2024 at 6:11 pmI am very saddened to hear of Linda’s sudden passing. She was a wonderful colleague and often had a sparkle in her eyes. I can hear her laugh as we enjoyed sharing some stories together…. the world was a better place with Linda in it! Please accept my condolences for Isaac and to Linda’s family and friends.
Cathy McCulloch says
October 5, 2024 at 10:05 amMy most sincere sympathy to Linda’s family and close friends. I had the pleasure of working with Linda for several years at Northport Elementary School. I will always remember her kind ways, infectious smile, her giggles, and fun loving spirit and how much her students truly LOVED her. Truly, Ms. Harwood was their idol.
When I retired in 2013, Linda had her class each print a persuasive letter to me as to why I shouldn’t retire, which I will treasure always. So thoughtful!
During March break of 2012, Linda and friend, Patti Silk, met my hubby, grandgirls, and I in Florida to share a meal and fun together.
I have many fun memories and will always remember Linda with affection. May she rest in peace with Barry.
Kathy Bell says
October 5, 2024 at 5:14 pmSo sorry to hear of Linda’s passing. We worked together for many years. Will always remember her warm smile and compassion for others.
Lainie Yeaman says
October 5, 2024 at 6:21 pmSo sorry for your loss. She was the best teacher and always so supportive and caring for her students. School was always fun with her around 🩷
SMC Jr Kinghts says
October 6, 2024 at 10:17 amHeartfelt condolences to Coach Tony and your family. Your entire Jr. Knights team and their families are thinking of you all.
Ann Saddington says
October 6, 2024 at 10:55 amCondolences to Issac and family. We feel your pain and the sadness of your loss . Sending our love from Ann and Roy Saddington.
Dave Bertrand says
October 7, 2024 at 8:03 amLinda will be missed greatly! What a shock! She definitely left a positive mark on those little ones she nurtured and on the colleagues she worked with. Our deepest sympathies to the family.
Kirby Dunlop says
October 7, 2024 at 2:46 pmI knew Barry from Tenneco. So sorry for your family’s loss.
Yvonne McCutcheon says
October 7, 2024 at 3:38 pmIsaac, family and friends. Linda had the ability to always see the glass beyond half full. Each student knew she truly cared for them. Her smile, the twinkle in her eye and her sincere care for others lit up the room.
Holding you and yours close in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.
Sincerely, Yvonne McCutcheon- Northport Colleague 2004-2009
Roxanne Schwandt says
October 7, 2024 at 5:18 pmLinda was such a special person. I will always cherish the laughs and stories we shared! ❤️
Donna Sutter says
October 8, 2024 at 12:00 amLinda was a beautiful bright light and a wonderful good friend to so many. My sympathy to all that loved her and were loved by her. 💗
Suzanne Kennedy says
October 8, 2024 at 8:07 amIsaac and family, I was so saddened to hear of Linda’s sudden loss. I had the privilege of working with her just before retirement and we wrapped up our careers in education together. Even in tough times, we could always share a laugh and encouragement and look on the bright side. My thoughts and prayers are with her family & friends as you navigate the way forward at this difficult time.
Douglas Gould says
October 8, 2024 at 5:12 pmI loved my sister. I am praying for her, and I will continue to pray for her always. Family reunions and weekends were my favorite memories of her.
darragh billings says
October 10, 2024 at 2:15 pmMrs. Harwood taught both my little brother and myself when we were in second grade! She was always a kind and caring person to be around, and truly was the life of every party. I remember during my second grade year, they were adding the new section to the school, due to this our classroom windows were boarded up. But Despite that, Mrs. Harwood went above and beyond to make our end of year party magical. Even though that party was over a decade ago, her Joy and caring nature makes it feels as if it was yesterday. Even though we both graduated from Northport many years ago, her passing has brought sadness to both our hearts. Our deepest condolences to the family and to Northport. – Darragh and Devin Billings
T Weigel says
October 15, 2024 at 4:21 pmDear Isaac and family,
Linda was always the best part of my day whenever I had the pleasure of running into her at Northport. She genuinely made everyone, both child and adult, feel special, listened to and supported, all with a good dose of humour and a twinkle in her eye. I am so deeply saddened by her loss, my heart goes out to all of you. My family and I will miss her.
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