Linda Mae (Ludlow) Dronseika

Linda Mae (nee Ludlow) Dronseika

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” – Gandhi

Passed peacefully at 78 years in Huntsville ON on Thursday, March 24, 2022, after a long illness. She was at home until her last hours, cared for with attentiveness, love and affection by
her lifetime partner and husband, Stan Dronseika.

Linda was born on October 24, 1943 in Toronto to loving parents Elva and Norman Ludlow, eagerly awaited by her big sister, June Elendt. Linda and June were not only sisters, but close friends, whose friendship grew overtime. They rarely missed their daily calls over the last few years.

Linda married Stan Dronseika on January 2, 1971 – celebrating over 50 years together this year. Together, they shared similar values – a strong sense of community, a lifelong passion for learning and commitment to each other and their families.  Linda had a good head for numbers and she loved puzzles that challenged her. She was one of the first women to work as an actuary in Insurance in her early career. She always enjoyed cards, cribbage, jigsaw puzzles and became an expert poker player later in life, finding enjoyment playing everyday online. For decades, Stan and Linda together ran a successful business in Huntsville – Blackburn’s Marina.

Linda is known for her lifelong passion for learning, caring for the community and the environment. She became a Master Gardener . Gardens were her passion. Hers was spectacular and was often featured on garden tours. Enthusiasts were invited back for cuttings or seeds. She shared her knowledge with others, in person and on her radio show. She beautified gardens throughout the Huntsville area - from main street, to the local hospices. She is fondly known by friends and family as the “Flower Lady”. She was also known for her leadership and competition in the annual Fall Fair. She regularly contributed her time in the community for special events, such as painting scenery for the local theater. In 2007, Linda received the 'Volunteer of the Year' Award from the town of Huntsville.

In addition, she practiced Reiki and loved when she had a breakthrough helping someone heal. She will be remembered by all for her beautiful crafts - handmade quilts, crocheted clothes and blankets, and Christmas wreaths that are cherished and fondly displayed every year.

She will be sadly missed by her nieces and nephew (Leslie Elendt, Jennifer O’Brien, Mark Elendt) and their families. She will be remembered by them for her generosity – inviting them to spend time at their homes in Mississauga (what a pool!) and Huntsville (boat trips, water skiing!) and taking them on vacations (Disney World). She was always thinking of ways she could bring them together, for instance, buying them a canoe that they used together. Her incredible baking is a reason that all three children enjoy experimenting in the kitchen to this day – memories of her festive meals, seasonal cakes and loaves with zucchini from her own garden, and Christmas treats and gingerbread houses are an inspiration.

Her Thanksgiving and Christmas feast were shared by many friends and family and created beautiful memories for all of us.

She had a big heart, and together Stan and Linda rescued many cats, giving them a loving home. She rarely spent a moment without a cat beside, or on, her – her constant companions in the garden and in the house. She was a comfort to them, and they to her.

Linda is survived by her husband, Stan Dronseika, by her sister June Elendt (and family) and by her cats, Thunder and Lady.  The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses for their care over the last few years.

Family invite friends to a visitation being held on Friday, April 1st, 2022 at Billingsley Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. until time of funeral service in the funeral home chapel at 12:00 p.m.  Live streaming will be available for those unable to attend the funeral service and can be located in the service section below, entitled, "click here to access video" to follow directions.  Reception to follow.  Burial to take place at Pine Hills Cemetery in Toronto.  As an expression of sympathy flowers are requested in lieu of donations to honour Linda's love of the many blooms she tenderly cared for throughout her life.