Obituary of Linda Reid
Linda (Carol) Reid, a proud resident of Fort Erie and Niagara Falls, passed away suddenly with her family by her side at Hamilton General Hospital on Thursday October 2, 2025.
Linda was born on May 22, 1949, in Moncton, New Brunswick, to Lila and Andrew Reid. She was predeceased by her siblings, Audrey, Wanda, Sharon, and Al, and is survived by her brother-in-law, Tom. At the age of five, Linda moved with her family to Fort Erie, which became her lifelong home.
Linda was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother (Nani), whose life was rooted in love and service to others. She leaves behind her cherished husband, Doug, with whom she built a beautiful life. Linda and Doug met on the tennis courts as teenagers, a meeting that would begin over 55 years of love, laughter, and true partnership. Their marriage was a remarkable example of devotion and friendship; they were best friends in every sense, inseparable in work and in life. They took pride in standing by one another, whether it be Linda cheering Doug on from the stands during his hockey days or Doug encouraging her every big idea with that same unrelenting belief in her that she extended to everyone around her. Their love was inspiring, a partnership grounded in mutual respect, humour, and an unwavering commitment to one another.
For four decades, they worked side by side running Doug & Tom Reid Sports Centre, a cornerstone of the Fort Erie community whose reach extended across Canada and beyond. Linda poured her heart into the store, and led with a tireless work ethic. She especially loved encouraging the next generation, whether it was local athletes, students, or young people starting their first jobs. After Reid Sports, she and Doug spent more than a decade operating Subway franchises, continuing to foster a welcoming environment where everyone felt like family. Later, Linda realized her dream project with Reid’s Fresh Kitchen, where she shared her love of cooking and baking with the community she adored.
Linda was the very proud mother of Jennifer and Charmaine and a deeply loving grandmother to Lauren, Erica, and Vanessa, her “little angels,” as she fondly called them. Her family was her greatest joy, and she never missed an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments or remind them how proud she was. She was their biggest supporter and constant cheerleader.
Beyond her immediate family, Linda was a devoted sister, aunt, and friend, whose warmth extended through generations. She built beautiful memories on family bike rides along the Niagara Parkway, vacations filled with laughter, and everyday moments that became lifelong stories. Spending time with loved ones was Linda’s greatest joy. Whether hosting countless holiday dinners with family, organizing gatherings with friends, or travelling together, she made every occasion feel special. Her home was always open, a place where laughter filled the air, card games stretched late into the night, and no one ever left hungry. She had a gift for bringing people together.
Linda’s sense of humour made her the life of every get-together, whether she was celebrating a win at cards or laughing along as she was lovingly teased by family and friends. She found joy in simple moments: sharing a cup of coffee, retelling a funny story, and dancing to Elvis with a kitchen full of family. Her warmth and generosity ran deep, creating a sense of belonging for all those she held closest to her heart.
Linda will be remembered for her strong-willed nature and her extraordinary ability to lift up those around her. Her generosity was unforgettable, her laugh contagious, and her presence one of a kind. To her family and friends, she was both an anchor and light, someone who gave everything of herself and asked for nothing in return. Her absence will be felt deeply, but her influence will endure in the love she shared and the example she set.
Linda’s family takes comfort in knowing that her life was filled with joy, laughter, and purpose, and that her love will live on in the countless lives she touched.
Visitation will be held at Benner Funeral Services, 1105 Benner Avenue in Fort Erie on Wednesday, October 8, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. and Thursday, October 9, from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. A service celebrating Linda’s life will follow at Benner Funeral Services’ Chapel on Thursday, October 9, at 12:00 p.m., with a reception afterward at Betty’s Restaurant.
If so desired, donations may be made to the new South Niagara Site of Niagara Health or the Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre in Linda’s memory. To do so, click here:
https://ofnhs.akaraisin.com/ui/itsourfuture/donations/start
https://foundation.sunnybrook.ca/fundraising-priorities/odette-cancer-program/