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RIP Linda MacDonald

5/17/2018

12 Comments

 
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Linda commanding the room at assembly.  
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I was shocked to learn that Linda MacDonald, wife, mother and friend to many, the director of this year’s rug school, past president of the Rug Hooking Guild of Nova Scotia and retired owner of Rags to Rugs Craft Shop died yesterday. 

We weren’t close for all the years we’ve known one another from the rug hooking circuit, but this year at school I felt we made a connection. We chatted a few times about various things, this business, the pros and cons and we had a few laughs in between.  They were short but meaningful conversations but what struck me the most was the way she looked at me when we spoke.  She practiced the rare art of looking into my eyes when communicating, it was intense and I came away from her affected by it.   I felt she would make a good friend.  She was sincere to a fault, a rare commodity in today’s world.   
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Linda also had a really good sense of humour and I really enjoyed her stints behind the microphone for assembly and events held in the large common area room.  She was comfortable behind the mic and her dry wit, which I've always deem the best kind, was highly appreciated.  Her timing was perfectly executed.   I joked she should quit her day job and go out on the road as a comedian but she reminded me she was retired and not interested in another career.  We laughed. 

When we were setting up shop Sunday evening, the students flooded the area, picking through the items I was trying to unpack and display.  I kindly said the shop would be open Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. but no one read between the lines and I wasn’t about to be rude and chase them away.  At some point Linda noticed the crowds gathering and came over and shouted bluntly, “Get Out!”  They all scattered like fleas at a raid convention.  I laughed at her boldness and she told me “Hey, they don’t have to like me.”  Linda was petite in stature, but she sported six feet and 250 lbs. of authority.   

I am infinitely sad for her family and close friends and all those in the rug hooking community that will share in this devastating loss.  

12 Comments
Donna
5/17/2018 11:50:32 am

I can't get my head or heart around this great loss, prayers and hugs to Linda's family and our rug hooking family.

Reply
Connie Keating Pettigrew
5/17/2018 11:51:13 am

My heart is broken.

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Brigitte Webb
5/17/2018 11:58:27 am

I am shocked and saddened on hearing of Linda’s death. I was in the same class as her in Jon’s class - she was quiet but helpful and of course I had visited her shop on my first visit to Nova Scotia. I am sure she will be a huge loss to all who knew her and to the wider rug hooking community across the world.


Reply
Anne Lockhart
5/17/2018 12:25:20 pm

Thank you Christine.She was mighty and we will all miss her.

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Cathy Lowe
5/17/2018 03:05:33 pm

Christine this is a wonderful tribute to Linda.

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Ruby Mackenzie
5/17/2018 06:14:22 pm

Thanks Christine for your blog post...You summed up Linda perfectly..We in Pictou Hector Hookers are deeply saddened and shocked.. Linda was small but mighty.I loved her humor...She came to Hooking Monday to chat about school .Wondering if we had a good time..We laughed and compaired stories.She was planning for next year..I just can't believe..We have lost a great Hooker.A Great Director and a Great friend....We are so sad ..We pray that her Family will find comfort in these words.As I said last night may she have a hook in one hand and a microphone in the other .A glass of wine nearby...On the drive home tonight from work .Heading west from Pictou....there was the most beautiful sky.I pulled over 3 times to capture a picture...Each time I couldn't get the image I wanted.At last I just thought Ruby ..That sky was a perfect gift from Linda...The most perfect sky to hook...The most perfect gift ..A sign to say I'm ok...My Friend...Rest in Peace Linda ..Keep Calm and Hook on!!

Reply
Patsy Gorveatte
5/18/2018 09:29:01 am

Ruby this is perfect. why dont you post that picture on the guild Facebook page so we can all hook it. we could compare and see what message each person got from Linda. this is perfectly said.

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Vicki Crane
5/17/2018 06:22:18 pm

Beautiful eulogy.

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Donna Gass
5/17/2018 06:58:53 pm

Well said Christine, we are all heart broken. We all must remember to tell our friends each day, how much we appreciate and love them. Hug a Hooker

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Doris Norman
5/18/2018 03:43:41 am

Thank you for your blog re Linda MacDonald. She was an exceptional leader in all positions;RHGNS President, Teachers Branch President, Teacher and a wonderful RHGNS School Director. I have known her and worked with her and found her to be honest, fair, encouraging, as well as “a fence mender”. I will miss her as a friend as well as fellow teacher.

Reply
Gail Lambert link
5/18/2018 03:50:18 am

Lovely comments Christine. She will be missed! My thoughts and prayers go out to her family at this sad time.
It will be a very strange rug school next year to not have Linda behind the mike saying 'go create'!

Reply
Patsy Gorveatte
5/18/2018 09:29:55 am

This is a beautiful tribute to Linda!

Reply



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