Obituary of Lynda Jean McDowell

To view the livestream of the funeral service, please click here.

Lynda McDowell (née Farr) of Waterloo, Ontario, passed away peacefully, on January 15, 2026, at the age of 84. 

Beloved mother of Stephen, Karen (Erik Torjesen), and Lisa (David Van Den Beld), and loving grandmother of Coltrane, Elise, Hannah and Emma, she is survived by her sister Sue (Bob) Nemett, and brothers John (Barb) Farr and David (Denise) Farr and their families. 

Lynda is now reunited with her late husband, Douglas McDowell (1999), and her parents Clifford and Marion Farr of London.

Lynda took great joy from life’s simple pleasures: her garden in bloom, birds at the window, a good mystery book, the morning crossword, plans for the next trip and above all, time spent with family. She had a special passion for music and sang for many years in the Grand Philharmonic Choir, and in the church choirs of First United and Parkminster United. She was an accomplished pianist, quilter, knitter, needleworker and jigsaw puzzler. Lynda enjoyed seeing the world and travelled extensively across Europe, Asia, the US, and Canada. 

Lynda was a registered nurse who trained at Victoria Hospital (London). She worked at hospitals in London and Toronto and for many years at nursing homes in the Waterloo area. She was a long-time volunteer for Grandmothers to Grandmothers, and at the Grand River Hospital, and was actively engaged in her church, most notably with the Quilters Group, Noon Hour Concerts and Parish Nursing initiative. Many will also remember Lynda's kindness and helpfulness. She never failed to reach out to those experiencing hardship or loss. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family and friends. 

Special thanks to the medical staff at Grand River Cancer Centre and the ICU. Additionally, we give heartfelt thanks to the Luther Village community who helped Lynda through her care journey with kindness and extraordinary care.

A celebration of Lynda’s life will be held at First United Church, 16 William St. W, Waterloo, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 2 p.m., followed by a reception in the Church Hall. A livestream and recording of the service will be made available on Lynda’s tribute page at www.erbgood.com. 

As expressions of sympathy in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Lynda’s memory to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region, WRHN Foundation (Cancer Care) or the Canadian Wildlife Federation, which can be made through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home at 519-745-8445 or at www.erbgood.com.