In loving memory, and celebration of the life of Linda Eileen Mende (nee Hipkin), who passed away just after bedtime on Sunday, April 4, 2021. We are grateful to celebrate and remember Linda as a woman who loved unconditionally all her family, friends, students, and colleagues as she spent over 40 years as an educator in the Sudbury Rainbow School District. Linda was an amazingly avid and dedicated hockey mom, literally living in local hockey rinks supporting her sons and all kids and parents living the Northern Ontario hockey life. Linda is survived by her husband Richard, her three sons: Barry, David and Howie and their families, as well as her brothers Alan and Joe Hipkin and their families. Folks interested in leaving a donation are asked to direct funds to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada (1-800-361-2985 | donorservice@mssociety.ca). Memories, stories, condolences, or celebrations of Linda’s life may be posted on the Ranger’s Cremation and Burial Services website.
Mom,
You went beyond anything I could have ever hoped for in a mother and friend. Thank you for your patience, kindness and love. I loved you more than anyone else in the world, and I miss you every single day. I do my best to make you proud, Mom, through compassion, generosity, and friendliness. I will miss you forever, Ma.
Your loving son forever,
David
December 11, 2021
In this time of transition I reflect on goodness, and I offer my true condolences.
April 13, 2021
I fondly remember Linda as a true leader ; a leader who believed that goodness and possibility rested within all students. This belief motivated Linda to start Learning to !8 and give students a second chance .As one of the initial teachers working with Linda at Learning to 18,I had the privilege to witness her dream materialize. Linda created this alternative sanctuary for so many brave students who were determined to succeed .Linda allowed them to embrace a second chance. Aileen Lundy, living in Toronto ( aileenlundy2@gmail.com)
April 13, 2021
This is a very sad day for all those touched by Linda’s charm, commitment and devotion. I met Linda when I joined the Sudbury Secondary School’s Work For Credit Program. She was a joyful teacher who always had time to help the students with special needs but also a new staff member who was learning the ropes. I remember her quirky smile…the way her eyes would light up and the wiseness of her ways with young people. She was of great help to me and the students as the program developed. From across the country, I watched Linda’s retirement posts on Facebook, and in spite of her health challenges, she focussed on her blessings…family and friends. May you rest in God’s loving embrace Linda.
April 11, 2021
Richard,
My condolences to you and your family.
April 9, 2021
Sending hugs and condolences to the Mende family. Linda was very caring and took interest with what was going on with my family. She loved to have Maddy and Delphine over any time to visit and play in the pool. One could see the strength she had about everything. You wouldn’t want to mess with – you would lose. A great woman gone but her spirit will remain in our hearts and memories.
April 8, 2021
I have such fond memories of Linda throughout my career with Rainbow District School Board – upon meeting Linda we formed an immediate bond and often told our students that we were sisters 🙂 Linda, you will be missed. Rest in Peace. My thoughts and prayers go out to Richard and her family.
Dona Aubin
April 7, 2021
I remember Linda for her great smile, her heartfelt laugh, and how she was a fierce advocate for her students at Sudbury Secondary School. Sincere condolences to her family and friends who will miss her so much. ~ Sandy Siren
April 7, 2021
Richard and family… my most sincere condolences. May your memories sustain you in the days and weeks ahead. God Bless!
April 7, 2021
My deepest condolences to the family of this wonderful woman. She definitely made a difference in alot of her students lives.. She was my absolute favorite teacher in high school, and she was always, kind and understanding. Seems like she’s gave extra care and attention, to the ones that were lacking,. Truly a Beautiful lady!!!
April 7, 2021
My deepest condolences, I am a former student of Mrs. Mende’s. She was a beckon of hope while I was in high school. I likely would not have graduated and continued my education if not for her support and attention. A true advocate of those struggling with a learning disability. She brought out the best in me and everyone that was in her class. My fondest memories of high school are centered around my time spent in her class room.
Thank you Mrs. Mende, your help and patience meant a lot to me.
April 7, 2021
My sincerest condolences to the Mende and Hipkin families. Linda sure loved her boys and her grandkids. She had so many great stories to share. She was a strong and proud woman that genuinely cared for all of her students, even the toughest ones. Linda will be fondly missed.
April 6, 2021
Dear Mende men, Linda loved you all and gave you all she could. She loved so many and gave to them also. She was a kind and understanding colleague to all of us at SSS and wherever she worked. As a fellow farm girl we shared many good belly laughs about our students and male colleagues and life in general. She struggled with her physical illness but always did her best to do what she had to do. Now our circle is broken. My sincere condolences to all of you.
April 6, 2021
Dear Richard & Family,
So sorry to hear of Linda’s passing. She was absolutely my favourite teacher in High School. May she RIP.
April 6, 2021
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
April 6, 2021
Mr. Mende and family,
I am terribly sorry for your loss and send sincere condolences.
April 6, 2021
Richard, Dave, Barry and Howie. My heartfelt condolences to all of you and extended families. Linda was always welcoming and smiling. She was a strong woman and wouldn’t let anything keep her down. I’m so glad we were able to friends with her and her family.
April 6, 2021
Linda you were a great friend and brought sunshine into my life. To your sons, I want them to know how well you loved and respected them. You were so excited to spend Easter with them. I want you to know that you will always be an honorary hippie to me. You will be well missed by the seniors who were graced with your presence at the Stand Up Program. To the family, my deepest symphony.
April 6, 2021
So young but a life well lived. She loved her special students at Gatchell and treated her staff like family. RIP Linda ..thank you for some great years teaching together.
April 6, 2021
Our deepest sympathy to the Mende family, on Linda’s passing, Linda was an excellent educator, caring person, and a real inspiration to the students that she taught, mentored, and worked with over her very long career within education. She inspired a lot of students to reach their aspirations, dreams, and goals within life concerning education, personal achievement, and life long goals. Sincerely, Tanja Neuvonen – Del Bosco and Tom Del Bosco.
April 6, 2021
Linda was a strong influence and support through high school and I remember her kindness often with gratitude. I appreciated so much have a stand in Mom at school and I’m sure many others felt the same way over the years. Deepest condolences to the family for the loss of a wonderful person.
April 6, 2021
Richard, please accept our sincere condolences as you grieve Linda’s death. I always appreciated her tenacity in advocating for opportunities for students that others may not have engaged with. Her caring extended to the college students I placed in her schools and whom she welcomed and involved in supportive relationships.
Jen and John Caruso
April 6, 2021
Our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to all of Linda’s family.
April 6, 2021
Richard, Howie, Barry, and David Mende. I’m so sorry for your great loss. I wish for you all Peace, Patience, many wonderful memories, Love and enjoyment of life as you know Linda, Wife and Mother would wish for you all. ..
Love and great sympathy : Joe Hipkin
April 6, 2021
I remember Linda’s smile and how she was a supportive and caring person. My sincere condolences Richard to you and your family.
Louis
April 6, 2021