Klemenz, Linda Jean (nee: Howg), formerly of Lomond and Calgary, peacefully passed away at Vulcan Extendicare on October 18, 2019 at the age of 70 years.
Linda was born and raised on the farm between Lomond and Enchant until the age of 17, at which time she went to Calgary to attend Nursing Aide School. Linda graduated as a certified Nursing Aide in 1968 and started working at the Calgary General Hospital on the Cardiology Ward for a year and a half. She then moved for a short time to the Bethany Care Centre.
In May of 1970, Linda obtained a position at the Alberta Children’s Hospital on the Orthopedic Unit. Linda especially enjoyed working with teenagers and most of her responsibilities were centered around back surgeries and the care of children on Stryker frames or in Halo traction.
In 1980, Linda transferred to the operating room and was involved in the care of the instruments and sets required for surgical procedures. She proceeded to work with supplies and was involved in the set up of the first off-site delivery of supplies.
In 1993 and 1998, Linda had to have back surgery and 5 years later, 2 neck surgeries. Through these experiences, Linda was very appreciative of the training and experience that she received when she first went to work at the Children’s Hospital as they helped her to accept and feel comfortable with her own recovery. In 1988, Linda started working in Day Surgery and she continued there until retirement. She was treasured by her team on SSSU and is acknowledged for always adding special comfort and care to patients and their families during their time on the unit.
Linda often said that she didn’t have children of her own but rather she had the pleasure of having 45 years of children and families in her life. Linda has always displayed, in both her actions and words, that she was there for the children. “Thank you Linda for 45 years of caring and dedicated hard work. You have touched the lives of so many.”
Linda is survived by her brother Gordon (Carol) Howg of Lethbridge, their children Christine and Tanya, sister-in-law Carla Howg of Phoenix, AZ, her children Ken, Jim and Robert, nephews Dan Branden of Calmar and Richard (Deb) Branden of Lethbridge, her niece Lori Branden of Vulcan and numerous extended Howg and Klemenz families. She was predeceased by her parents Floyd and Roseann Howg, husband John “Sunny” Klemenz and brothers Leroy (Ann) Branden and Robert Howg.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday, November 1, 2019 from 10 am to 12 pm at the Enchant Community Hall (126 Centre St, Enchant, AB). Family Inurnment in the Enchant Cemetery, officiated by Sue MacDonald, D.M..
Any tributes in Linda’s memory can be made to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation (28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB T3B 6A8) OR the Calgary Humane Society (4455 – 110th AVE SE, Calgary, AB T2C 2T7).
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
Love and Sincere Sympathy on the loss of Linda.
From the Klemenz family that originated at Horizon, Saskatchewan, in the early days. I MaryAnn (Klemenz) Young who presently lives at Regina, Saskatchewan, am the second cousin to John Klemenz, who is the father to Sunny klemenz, Linda’s husband. I corresponded with Linda at the time that I was writing the Klemenz Genealogy history book,”Horizon and Beyond” and she was kind enough to send me some pictures of that side of the family which I put in the book.
REST IN PEACE, LINDA!!!..
I’m so sorry to hear the loss off a dear friend Linda my Condolences go out to her family! I worked with Linda at the Children’s hospital for many years we became close friends we even traveled to Cuba together! I know how much Linda loved to travel. I’m going to miss her dearly!
My sympathy to the Howg and Klemenz families on Linda’s passing. She was a very sweet lady who will be missed by many! Marvin Maronda
My condolences go to Linda’s family
My Condolences to Linda’s Family.
I worked with her at Short Stay Surgical Unit before she retired and I remember how she was such a hard working lady , who had such a sweet and kind heart. You’ll be so missed Linda!!
Linda was a gem, always hardworking and cheerful. We were blessed to work with her at the Children’s. My condolences to the family.
Linda was always so giving with her smile and words of encouragement to all. She was a wonderful asset to our hospital. My condolences to the family.
Nicely put Dr. Kuwahara. I can’t agree more. She was a very dedicated employee and gave 100% each day she was there.
On behalf of the Alberta Children’s Hospital, I am extending our sincere sympathies to Linda’s family and friends. Linda was a devoted, cheerful, loyal colleague at our hospital. Her smiling, pleasant, dedicated approach to children, families, and her co-workers was always admired and appreciated. I remember her well the evening of celebrating her 45 years of dedicated service. She knew everyone in the room and was proud of her accomplishments in working so successfully, for so many years at our hospital, and we proudly and happily celebrated with her. She had many friends here, we missed her when she retired, and are very sad to learn of her passing. We send our heartfelt condolences.
Margaret Fullerton, RN, Senior Operating Officer, Alberta Children’s Hospital, Calgary
Our sincere sympathy to all the family, Linda was a very special lady and friend to all.
Gordon , Carol and Family,
My sincere condolences to you for the loss of your sister, sister-in-law and aunt. May she rest in peace. Hugs!
Lori, Rick, Dan and Families,
Sincere Sympathy to all of you from the bottom of my heart for your loss. You took good care of Linda and all her needs. I have great memories of her growing up with us, her cousins.
My thoughts are with you at this time. Hugs!