Linda Joyce Bryson (née: McKnight) aged 74 years of Moose Jaw, SK, passed away on Tuesday, February 7th, 2023. Born to Joseph and Ruth McKnight (née: McLaughlin) on April 6th, 1948, Linda grew up in Moose Jaw with her siblings Don, Russ, and Sylvia. Linda had a compassionate heart which led her first to a career in health care, later turning that spirit toward mental health care and social support services for victims of domestic violence as a founding member of the Moose Jaw Transition House. There, Linda worked for many years as a counselor and advocate for women and children who had escaped abusive situations. Throughout her life she was known as someone people found easy to talk to and was always willing to listen without judgment. When asked, she offered her time and advice freely, any time of day or night to anyone who called or came to her. She became a mentor and “second” mother to many. She cared deeply about people (especially those who needed an advocate) and their treatment by others and by society at large.
Later in life, Linda returned to school and received her CNA, going on to work in long term care before her own health concerns forced her to retire. Linda’s other passion was her three children Sarah, Matthew, and Joel, for whom she sacrificed so much of her own life to raise. She did her very best to provide them every opportunity, working at the YMCA and other places, to pay for lessons and activities. Linda’s heart was always open to anyone who needed her, she took on other children as her own, bringing them into her family and raising them beside her own children. Linda was involved with many groups and organizations such as the Scottish Society, Moose Jaw Nature Society, Motif, White Hackle Pipe Band, the Saskatchewan NDP, and Hunger in Moose Jaw, to name a few. Linda had a love of animals and always had room for a stray that needed a home. To everyone that knew her Linda was warm, open, caring, and easy to talk to.
She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Ruth McKnight; brother, Russ McKnight; angel baby, David; and brother-in-law, David Lister. Linda is survived by her brother, Don McKnight and sister, Sylvia Lister; children: Sarah (Rod) Watts, Matthew (Jennifer) Bryson, and Joel Bryson; grandchildren: Jordan (Kate) Watts, Cora (Scott) Watts, Carter Watts, Haylee Rosnes, Tristin Leon-Bryson, Alyssa Rosnes-Bryson, Jade Ranger-Bryson, and Jordan Free-Bryson; great-grandson, Elias Watts; nieces and nephews: Angie Conway, Don McKnight Jr, Taryn (Dave) Lister, and Andrew Lister; great-grand nieces: Cassy, Jacqui, and Lisa Conway; great-grand nephew, Christopher Conway; as well as great-great-grand nieces and nephews and many cousins.
A Memorial Service to honour Linda will be held on Sunday, February 19th, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation Hall, 1396 3rd Ave NE, Moose Jaw, SK. In lieu of flowers, donations in Linda’s name can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, Unit 26 - 1738 Quebec Ave, Saskatoon, SK S7K 1V9 or Hunger in Moose Jaw, 269 Stadacona St W, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 1Z4. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com
