Obituary of Mary Dora Linden

It is with heavy hearts that we, her family, announce the passing of Mary Dora Linden (nee Samson) on April 20, 2023, at the Strait Richmond Hospital, surrounded by her devoted family, at the age of 95. Dora was born August 2nd, 1927 in Louisdale, Nova Scotia to James Samson and Artimese Samson (nee Landry). She was the youngest of four girls. Her father passed away before she was born while building the subways in New York City. Dora always spoke of her childhood growing up with her mother and sisters as nothing short of idyllic. The “4 Marys” as the sisters were known, were a force of nature. At the age of 18, Dora met Ambrose Linden, while ice skating on the Seal Cove harbour. They married and had four children after taking over her mother’s homestead. Dora devoted her life to taking care of her family and building a home that all were welcome in. She was well known for her zealous cleaning and her culinary expertise, particularly her bread, preserves, and pies. Her first question after greeting a visitor was often “did you eat?” Dora always showed her love through her actions; whether it was baking for Christmas, hemming a pair of pants, or proudly gifting someone a homemade blanket or quilt. Dora was a devout Catholic and woman of faith and served as a member of the St. Louis Parish CWL. Dora saw God’s beauty in the flowers and hummingbirds. Dora lived her life to the fullest for all of her 95 years and remained young at heart. She loved to laugh, tell stories, and joke and never passed up a chance to celebrate or socialize. Dora loved to spend time with her sisters and their families playing a “friendly” game of cards or going to the casino. She was always up for an adventure. Her proudest accomplishments were her 5 grandchildren and enjoyed being part of each of their milestones from graduations to marriages. In her later years, she found great joy in spending time with her great-grandchildren, especially her “pet” baby Gabrièl over the last two years, who she always greeted with a flourish of colourful names. Dora has been lovingly cared for over the last decade by her devoted daughter Connie. Dora was preceded in death by her parents James and Artimese Samson, her step-father Charlie Linden, her husband of 66 years Ambrose Linden, her infant daughter, Constance Linden, son Blaine Linden, sisters: Mary Irene Marchand (Alphonse), Mary Rita Marchand (Eugene), and Mary Edna Forgeron (Douglas), sisters-in-law: Dorthy Linden, Edna Poirier (Ernest), Janette George (Albert), brothers-in-law: Patrick Linden, and James Linden (Delores). She is survived by her sister-in-law Julia Marchand (Johnny), brothers-in-law: Dave Linden (Catherine), Herman Linden (Theresa), daughters: Donna Boudrot (Don), Connie Sampson, grandchildren: Jason Boudrot (Janette), Jake Boudrot, Dawn Boudrot (Nicholas), Erin Sampson-Hunter (Adam), Caitlin Sampson (Andrew). Great-grandchildren: Eliza Boudrot, Ella Boudrot, Abraham Boudrot, Nathan Kehoe, Ruby Kehoe, Gabrièl Sampson-Hunter, and baby girl Hunter, due in August. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Dr. Deroche and the nursing staff at the Strait Richmond Hospital, Dr. Cooper and the Palliative Care Team, Dr. Laurie MacNeil, and especially Lucy Landry & Claudine Sampson of VON and Pattie Burbine that provided loving care and comfort to our matriarch in her final months. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at the St. Louis Parish Church in Louisdale on Friday, May 12th, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Duncan MacIsaac presiding, with Christian burial and reception to follow. Donations can be made in Dora’s memory to the Craig Marchand fund.