Traveler Extraordinaire, Grandma Extraordinaire, and Unstoppable Workaholic

It is with a mix of tears, laughter, and a whole lot of disbelief that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved mom, grandmother, and full-time adventurer, Linda McLeod McKinsey, who left us on February 23, 2025 at ripe young age of 62, doing what she loved most—cruising. She truly went out on top (or perhaps at sea?) during a cruise she swore was going to be “her last one,” but we all know she said that at least five cruises ago.

Born in Canada and proud of that, Linda was the embodiment of living life on her own terms. She never waited for tomorrow, always setting sail for her next big adventure, and giving absolutely no thought to things like "rest." She always “lived life with a chocolate bar” (like she liked to say) which meant don’t plan…just do. She was far more concerned with which tropical port to visit next or where to get the best margarita.

When not on a ship, she was spoiling her four grandchildren rotten. From cookies to toys, to being the “cool grandma”, she was the grandma you wanted. Her love for them was unparalleled—mostly because, let’s face it, she was way more fun than the rest of us (and she would remind us of that every chance she got.)

Now, when it came to work, Linda was a legend. You could set your watch to her work ethic, which was about as reliable as the tides (or her cruise schedule). Even when she was supposed to be “on vacation,” she’d sneak in a few emails. She’d sit on a deck chair and do her work…as if it were her office for the day. It’s safe to say her work won’t know what hit it now that she’s gone, but we all know she would’ve wanted it that way.

Her passing during her cruise is almost too fitting—no one could have ever expected her to leave this world while travelling it? But then again, when you live life as fully as she did, why not go out exactly how she would’ve wanted?

Linda is survived by her daughter, Amanda (Adam) Clendenen of Leander, Texas; her four grandchildren, Luke, Gavin, Charlie, and Tristan; her brother, Randy (Tanya) McLeod and children Andrew, Katelyn, and Kyle; and her sister, Sandy (Pete) Pelletier and her daughters Kaleigh and Kourtney; Her best friends Sandra Ettinger, Penny Wittrock, Mac McKinsey, Pam McCombs Long, and Monica Malone; and many other friends and cruising buddies. She is preceded in death by her parents, Myrvin and Joan McLeod of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada.

A celebration of her life (and all the fantastic cruises she took) will be held on a to be determined date. Please keep an eye on this website and facebook for more information coming soon.

Bon voyage, Mom. You lived life like you were always sailing towards the horizon. We will miss you, but we know you're probably already on your next adventure.

P.S. If you ever run into her, don’t be surprised if she’s somewhere warm, with a drink in hand, telling everyone about her latest "last cruise."

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