Linda Irene Freeman (née Cook)

It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mum, Grannie & Great-Grannie, Linda Irene Freeman (Cook), who died peacefully at her home in Brandon on January 30, 2026.  Linda was born in Carman MB, and was the third child of Harold and Shirley Cook. She spent her early years in Rosebank, Roland, and Portage la Prairie. She had fond memories and lots of stories of growing up, surrounded by her siblings and her cousins.

A defining chapter of her life began when her father, a Grain Buyer for UGG, brought home his new Helper - a handsome young man named Roy from Killarney. A whirlwind romance followed, and they were married on July 17, 1965, in Portage la Prairie. Roy’s career with UGG first took them to Plumas, where they welcomed their daughters Gail and Tamara. The family moved to Foxwarren in 1967, where Kevin and Susan completed the family. Linda embraced her role as a stay-at-home mum with extraordinary care and dedication. She was involved in her children’s sports and activities and spent countless hours volunteering in the community. In 1986, Roy and Linda returned to Portage where Linda was happy to be closer to her family and take on a caregiver role to both her parents and mother-in-law in their final years. She took on several jobs in Portage, her favorite being in the activity department at Lion’s Manor, where her creativity and kind heart were allowed to shine. In retirement, Linda and Roy travelled widely, enjoying many winters in Mexico and Arizona, embracing life and making memories with friends and family.

Linda was a beautiful artist, quilter and had beautiful sewing skills. Her paintings and quilts will bring comfort and happy memories to her family. She made wedding dresses, skating costumes, matching clothing for her children and grandchildren, and stuffed animals. Linda was deeply devoted to her family - her husband, four children and their spouses, fourteen grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Known as ‘one-load Linda’ and ‘Super-Grannie’, she instilled values and love in everything she did.

Linda was predeceased by her husband Roy; parents, Harold & Shirley Cook; brother David and his wife Gordene Cook, brother-in-law Ken Swain; Roy’s parents Ben and Gladys Freeman; nephew Dennis Freeman, as well as several cousins and many close friends. Surviving her are: daughter Gail (Brent Campbell) and family: Devin; Jessica Ann; Caitlin; Jessica Lee; Curtis (Ashley) and William and Wren; and Josh (Zoe). daughter Tamara (Scott Bell) and family: Marissa (Dusty Wideman) their daughters Rhyan, Avery, Emerson, and Hadley; Charlie; Taylor (Ryan); and Brookelyn (Billy). son Kevin (Fernanda Leal) and family: Sophia, Nicholas, and Maria. daughter Susan (Jason McInnis) and daughter Violet. Linda is also survived by her sister Joan Swain and her family, as well as her sister Faye. In addition, many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

Thank you to the staff of Daughter On Call for the tremendous love and support the last two years of her life. They all loved and treated her like their own mother, and those close bonds were witnessed in their final goodbyes to their ‘Linda Lou’.

Linda’s legacy is one of love, kindness, generosity, resilience, and quiet strength. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her. In lieu of flowers please consider doing an act of kindness, as a tribute to her memory.

A service to celebrate a life well lived will take place on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 11:00 am in McKenzie United Church (85 - 11th Street NW, Portage la Prairie, MB), lunch to follow. Those wishing to attend the internment in the Killarney Cemetery are welcome to join the family there at 4:00 PM. For those unable to attend, a livestream will be available, to register and view click on link below.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com