Obituary of Linda Margaret Neufeld

Linda Margaret Neufeld, of Winnipeg, MB., (formerly of Edmonton), passed away on Monday, September 16, 2024, at the age of 83.

Left to mourn her passing are her husband Hugo Peters; step-daughters Myrna (Darryl Dyck), Renee (Rudy Strempler) and their families; step-sons Patrick Buhr (Ev.) and family, Andrew Buhr (Cari), Michael Buhr; siblings Dan (Janette), Gerald (Patricia), sister-in-law Marjorie Neufeld and their families, as well as many long-time friends.

Linda was predeceased by her parents Johann Neufeld (1993) and Louise (Ens) Neufeld (2006), her brother, Arnold (2024), sister-in-law Elizabeth Neufeld (2022), husband Lorne Buhr (2016) and niece Michelle Robinson (1999).

Born on November 6, 1940, in Grande Prairie, AB., Linda spent most of her childhood and youth at Tofield, AB. Her faith was shaped in the home and in the Tofield Mennonite Church where she was baptized at the age of 18.

After high school, Linda enrolled in Teacher Training at the University of Alberta. She taught Elementary students for a total of fourteen years in Tofield, Paungassi, MB., and Okotoks, AB. During those years of teaching, Linda pursued further studies at the University of Alberta as well as three years at Canadian Mennonite Bible College graduating with a Bachelor of Christian Education degree in 1966.

In 1977, Linda enrolled for studies at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana. After graduating with a master of Divinity degree, she extended her “break from teaching”, enrolling in a one-year program in Pastoral Clinical Education in South Bend, Indiana before returning to Canada to take up a career in Hospital Chaplaincy. She rendered her services at three Edmonton Hospitals – Charles Camsell, Royal Alexandra, Misericordia – from 1987 to 2005. Chaplaincy was a perfect fit for Linda’s compassionate, people-oriented nature.

While living as a single lady in her own home, Linda adopted Cleopatra, an adorable stay cat – her first love! In 2001, this gave way to an even greater affection, as she joined Lorne Buhr, widower and fellow church member, in marriage. After their respective retirements, they enjoyed travelling (a Dietrich Bonhoefer European tour being a highlight) and volunteering locally and internationally. As a member of First Mennonite Church in Edmonton, Linda served as a deacon, on various committees and occasionally preached.

Lorne passed away in 2016. Two years later Linda remarried, joining Hugo, an acquaintance from college years, whose wife Herta had also died in 2016.

Linda had a great appreciation for, and love of, the Arts, classical music in particular. She enjoyed the rich artistic culture in both Edmonton and Winnipeg.

On three occasions since 2010, Linda was diagnosed with a brain tumour (benign), the last of which was inoperable. She endured these afflictions with courage and grace.

Thanks be to God for a beautiful life!

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., at Bethel Mennonite Church, 465 Stafford St, Winnipeg, MB. To view the livestream, please click here.

A memorial service will also be held on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., at First Mennonite Church, 3650 91 Street NW,  Edmonton, AB.