It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Lynda Marie Bowyer (formerly Daniel Murray Bowyer) of Muskoka Ontario on June 21st 2023

Lynda was born on April 16th 1943 to Sidney W Bowyer and Anne Bowyer/Gaudet (nee Hollinshead). Although Lynda was born in East York, her family's ties to Muskoka helped enforce a special connection for Lynda. It was this connection that drew Lynda to proudly call Muskoka home where she lived most of her life surrounded by family and many friends.

Lynda was a fun-spirited soul who had many passions: from tinkering around on anything with a motor to inventing and trying new things, from being outdoors in general to gardening and ice fishing. Lynda loved writing songs and playing them for anyone who would listen. Many around Muskoka will recall Lynda on her guitar or keyboard belting out tunes and laughing with family and friends.

Lynda was never one to settle with the words, “it’s broken, it can’t be fixed, it won’t work,” or “it can't be done.” She proved most people wrong by going out and finding new ways “to make it work.” Whether it was an old golf cart to take for a jaunt in the woods (and then needing to fix it again to get back out), or to get a lawn tractor working again when a friend was ready to scrap it, Lynda always found a way. From making chess boards with inlaid copper wire to re-working computers, Lynda was always creative and never enjoyed being idle. This can-do attitude proved a valuable asset throughout her life on the many paths she travelled. Lynda could do virtually anything she set her heart to which is evident from the various jobs she tackled in her life: breaking horses, driving 18 wheelers, owning a flagstone business, running karaoke at bars and resorts, managing an apartment building and as personal caregiver. She believed in authenticity, hard work and never giving-up. This incredible work ethic and indominable spirit was admired and appreciated by everyone who knew her.

Lynda had this same attitude when it came to believing in her family and she encouraged them to do whatever they set their minds to. Lynda loved her family deeply and fearlessly. She was very proud of each of them and eagerly shared her family's accomplishments and triumphs, no matter how big or small.

Lynda was giving and forgiving. She always saw the best in people and was ready to lend a hand, while asking for little in return.

Her “wicked” and often quirky sense of humour had her cracking corny jokes, creating weird songs and making wild and crazy faces would keep everyone in stitches including herself—she said she was happy to laugh at herself in case nobody else got the joke! Even in her final days there were times when Lynda was tapping her toes to some old country music and for a minute or two that cheeky smile would light up her face and her eyes would look at you and you knew, she was having a laugh.

Lynda was predeceased by her daughter Leeann Bowyer, parents Sidney W. Bowyer, Anne Hollinshead and Ellen Bowyer, her brothers Sydney S. Bowyer, Rick Smither and Gerry Ingram, sister Karen Trenholm and granddaughter Jocelyn Leigh.

Lynda will be desperately missed by her loving family: Angela (Randy) McCarthy, children Chadrick and Cassidy, Kelli (Anne) Bowyer, his children Jessica and Cole, Jennifer (Kevin) Bryant, her daughter Katelyn and Leighann (Eugene) Miller, her children Haley and Josh. Sisters: Jaynellen Bowyer, Gail (Glenn) Soper, Kim Gaudet, Dodi Gaudet. Brothers: Peter (Debbie) Bowyer, Barry (Utra) Hebden, Reggie (Laura) Gaudet, Bobby Gaudet, Rick Gaudet

Her many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and godson, all of whom would not be here without two loving wives, Catherine and Maxine (Bill)

Lynda will also be greatly missed by all her friends in Muskoka and the four corners of the world.

Lynda was a stubborn force to be reckoned with. She was larger than life and unique in every way. She made an impact on everyone she met but most importantly, she was a loving parent, sibling, partner, grandparent and friend. She was truly amazing and to be loved by her was to be truly blessed. There is so much more that should be said, but in the end, what Lynda did was make our world brighter.

Rest easy Lynda, we know you are up there singing and laughing with those who went before.

There will be a private family internment on July 16th followed by a celebration of life in Huntsville at the Royal Canadian Legion,1-21 Veterans Way from 2 – 5 pm.

We invite all who knew and loved Lynda to join us for light refreshments while we share stories and memories of Lynda.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Lynda’s favourite charity: The Epilepsy Association of the Maritimes: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/66291?v2=true