Linda Eleanor Graham

GRAHAM, LINDA ELEANOR (née Rea) November 4, 1934 - June 5, 2026

Linda Eleanor Graham, age 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by family with the caring assistance of Medical Assistance In Dying (MAID) on June 5, 2026.

Linda was the daughter of Harry and Eleanor Rea of Toronto and sister to Deirdre Chisholm of Brantford.

Linda was preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years, James Clayton Graham.

She will be deeply missed by her three children, Andrew (Cara), Mark (Sarah) and Anna (Fred), her grandchildren, Rachel (Andy), Clare, Sydney, Benjamin and great grand child, Robyn. She is also mourned by her nieces and nephews, Geoff, Tom, Kathryn, Ben, Ken, Leslie and Lori and their families.

She was predeceased by her cherished in-laws Dave and BJ Carter and John Chisholm, as well as her beloved niece, Christina Hannam.

Linda lived a rich and fulfilling life. She was deeply grateful for the joy, love, family and community that surrounded her. By many who knew her, Linda was known for her wise counsel, capacity for listening and acceptance and orientation toward gratitude.

Linda was born in Toronto and attended North Toronto Collegiate Institute where she enjoyed playing bass clarinet in the orchestra. She went on to attend the University of Toronto, graduating from Physical and Occupational therapy in 1955.

A compassionate woman and nurturer at heart, Linda developed deep and enduring friendships throughout her life that she maintained from high school, university, the bridge club, professional colleagues and students, neighbours in both East York and New Toronto. She was deeply touched by the many beautiful final moments of connection she had with numerous family and friends.

Linda enjoyed her work as a physiotherapist at various centres including Providence Villa and Toronto Rehab. She felt very fortunate to have been involved in development of the role of physiotherapy in the palliative care setting at the Toronto Grace Hospital, the first palliative care centre in Ontario. Subsequently, a lifelong passion for improving End of Life care ensued, including advocacy for the availability of MAID.

Linda fostered a sense of community in both East York and New Toronto. She was always willing to offer support and friendship to neighbours, especially those new in the community or encountering difficult times. She and Jim enjoyed volunteering and making new friendships at the Assembly Hall in New Toronto. Linda was a generous philanthropist, supporting arts organizations and those that helped the less fortunate.

Linda was always appreciative and supportive of her family and friends. She was particularly grateful for the support she received in recent years from the generous and kind neighbours in New Toronto, especially Rob and Ineke. Their care and support enabled her to enjoy her Fourth Street home, garden and community for additional precious years.

Linda demonstrated the wisdom of recognizing the beauty and joy that surrounded her such as window light passing through glass ornaments and the miracle of new growth of seedlings prepared for spring planting. She taught by example the joy of lifelong learning embracing—amongst many pursuits—water colour painting, Tai Chi, comparative religion studies, family genealogy and photography.

Linda was very appreciative of all the support and care she received at Castle Peak and from Megan, Travis and Drs Lees and Jones.

Cremation in the care of Reynolds Funeral Home with a Celebration of Life on Thursday, June 11th at 12:30pm, at Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre (second floor), 375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto.

Friends are welcome to join us. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the LAMP Community Health Centre, Food Banks Canada or a charity of your choice in Linda’s memory.