Obituary of Linda Elva Dawson

It is with profound sadness that the family of Linda Elva Dawson announces her passing at NH – Niagara Falls Site on Monday, April 20, 2026, at the age of 80.

Linda was the loving mother of Lee Rivard, Lenora Bell (Denis Archambault), Cheryl Dawson (Rob Palleschi), Chris Dawson (Caitlyn Roper), and Scott Dawson (Elizabeth Page). She was the devoted companion of Rene Beauvais and will be deeply missed by her siblings Marvin, Raymond, Brenda, Nona, John, and Ross. Linda will be greatly missed by Richard Dawson and his wife Diane, to who she remained the greatest of friends, and she will be deeply missed by her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is predeceased by her son, Tracy Rivard; her parents, Clifford and Valma Rivard; and siblings Sandy and Randy.

Linda was a remarkable woman with a spirit that was both strong and beautifully tender. She was a spitfire; honest, direct, and unafraid to speak her mind, but those who knew her best understood the deep kindness that guided everything she did. Linda gave freely, loved deeply, and believed that family was something you built through love, loyalty, and choice. Linda was truly a Giver in a world full of Takers.

Her heart was especially soft for animals, most of all dogs. Her beloved Sam, affectionately known as “Sam I Am”, brought her immeasurable joy. Fiercely independent, Linda took pride in doing things herself; if something needed fixing, she would find a way.

Creativity flowed through everything she touched. She enjoyed painting, tending to her flowers, and crafting with anything she could repurpose into something meaningful. Sundays brought her special delight as she tuned in to TV Bingo; her excitement when she won was infectious. She also loved crosswords and the quiet comfort of her favourite pastimes.

In keeping with Linda’s wishes, cremation has taken place.
As an expression of sympathy, the family would appreciate donations to the Niagara SPCA and Humane Society, a cause close to her heart.

A Celebration Of Linda's Life will be held on Saturday May 2, 2026 from 1pm to 4pm at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 479, 5603 Spring Street, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 1P7. No hats in the building please.


Train of Life
By Jean d’Ormesson

At birth, we boarded the train of life and met our parents, and we believed that they would always travel by our side. However, at some station, our parents would step down from the train, leaving us on life's journey alone.
As time goes by, some significant people will board the train: siblings, other children, friends, and even the love of our life.
Many will step down and leave a permanent vacuum. Others will go so unnoticed that we won't realize that they vacated their seats!
This train ride has been a mixture of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hellos, goodbyes, and farewells.
A successful journey consists of having a good relationship with all passengers, requiring that we give the best of ourselves.
The mystery that prevails is that we do not know at which station we ourselves will step down.
Thus, we must try to travel along the track of life in the best possible way loving, forgiving, giving, and sharing.
When the time comes for us to step down and leave our seat empty - we should leave behind beautiful memories for those who continue to travel on the train of life. Let's remember to
thank our Creator for giving us life to participate in this journey. I close by thanking you for being one of the Passengers on My Train.