BANASH, Linda

On April 3, 2021, Linda Banash (nee Ayers) was reunited with her eternal love Mark Thompson, grandson Christopher Jackson, Mother (Thelma) and Father (Joseph) Ayers, sisters Mary Sears and Edith Ayers, brother Peter Ayers, and forever feline friend, Furbie.

Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed peacefully at the age of 72 at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital after a courageous battle with a chronic illness. Linda passed on from this life in the same way she passed through it: with grace, courage, dignity, and above all, strength.

Linda knew what it truly meant to live, and she lived each day to its fullest. Her infectious smile, razor-sharp wit, and genuine love of people lit up every room she ever entered. Linda was an avid gardener, a lover of animals, and a genuine threat on the dartboard at Ladies’ dart night - which she attended for more than two decades. To know Linda is to know that life is worth celebrating, love is worth fighting for, and yes, any job worth doing is worth doing right.

Linda will be sorely missed by her four children, Sherry Lynn Blevins, Steven Blevins (Patty), Michelle Blevins (Robbie), and Todd Blevins (Lisa); her siblings Andy Ayers, Iris Snow (Ford), Carl Ayers (Faye), Eleanor Bloom (Stuart), Gilbert Ayers, and Louise Ayers; her grandchildren Eliza (John), Carley, Tyler, Jack, Daisy, and Owen; and dozens of nieces and nephews. Linda will also be missed by her devoted friends Court (Rob), Marie, Chrissy, Dal, and her blessed four-legged companion, Suzie.

The family wishes to recognize the devotion and long-term care of Costas, Tina, and Laura from the Simcoe County Community Paramedicine Program - without your compassionate help, our dear Linda would have departed this earth far, far sooner. We would also like to thank Dr. Stong, Linsey, and Dion at the Couchiching Family Health Team, Doctor Bailey, and the nursing staff in the Emergency Unit and the ICU at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital for their dedication and compassion throughout Linda’s end-of-life care.

A celebration of life with friends and family will be held when gatherings of a magnitude befitting such an extraordinary life are safe and permitted once more.

Instead of flowers, donations in Linda’s name to the Ontario SPCA would be appreciated and may be made through the Mundell Funeral Home (705) 325-2231.