It is with immense shock and sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Linda, who passed away unexpectedly at Trillium Health Partners – Mississauga Hospital on May 15, 2025, at the age of 86.
She was the beloved daughter of the late Kem Lun Lee and the late Ralph Lung Kee Lee, devoted sister to the late Faye (Larry), cherished wife of the late Leo Walfone Samman Ing, loving mother of Tina (Gary), Landy (John), and Leo (Barb), proud grandmother of Lee, Jordan, Luke, Taylor, Leana, and Hunter, and a loving aunt to Sharon (Frank), Deanna (Donald), Lisa (Mike), Richard (Dawn), and many other dear sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation will take place at Turner & Porter Neweduk-Erin Mills Chapel (1981 Dundas Street West, Mississauga) on Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Chapel Service at 11:00 a.m. and a buffet lunch at 12:00 p.m.
Interment to follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery (375 Mt Pleasant Rd, Toronto).
Flowers may be sent to the Turner & Porter Neweduk-Erin Mills Chapel (call Jenny at WINs flowers 416.585.2159) or donations made in her memory to the Trillium Health Partners Foundation by using the button below "Make a donation"
Linda’s story began in 1939 in China, where she was raised by her mother alongside her siblings, while her father worked in Canada. She lived through the hardship of war, often recalling the fear of the Japanese invasion and fleeing their village in a rowboat. She once fell overboard and was rescued by her mother with the help of others on board.
She spoke fondly of being piggybacked through the mountains to attend school and remembered the value her family placed on education despite the turmoil around them.
After the Chinese Exclusion Act was lifted in 1947, her family immigrated to Canada in 1953. Linda arrived at age fourteen, meeting her father for the first time and unable to speak a word of English. She worked hard to adapt to Canadian culture and was captivated by its fast pace, pop culture, and lifestyle.
Linda embraced womanhood with joy and style. She became a hairdresser and was always fascinated by fashion, beauty, and glamour. Her love for clothing, furs and jewelry followed her throughout her life. Many will remember her as someone always dressed impeccably, with a keen sense of decor and flair that made her a trendsetter in hair, makeup, and home fashion.
In the 1970s, Linda and Leo Senior were known for hosting large parties, celebrated for Linda’s delicious cooking and warm hospitality. She worked in various professions, including as a bank teller, account manager, and realtor. She enjoyed shopping, crafting dried flower arrangements, and watching golf and tennis. A skilled badminton player, she won a championship alongside her sister Faye. Above all, she had a deep passion for martial arts, admired Bruce Lee, and proudly earned a brown belt in the sport.
She loved laughter and adventure, whether it was at the bingo hall, racetrack, pool hall, or while thrift shopping for collectibles. Her playful spirit and eye for unique finds made her unforgettable.
She took great pride in the times she received media attention. While many may only experience a moment in the spotlight once in a lifetime, she was featured several times—and she proudly displayed each of those moments.
Linda leaves behind a legacy of strength, resilience, and joy. Despite life’s challenges, she remained cheerful, full of life, and deeply appreciative of the simple pleasures.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Funeral Details
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Visitation
Turner & Porter - Neweduk - Erin Mills Chapel
1981 Dundas St. West, Mississauga, ON, L5K 1R2
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Thursday, 5 Jun 2025 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Chapel Service
Turner & Porter - Neweduk - Erin Mills Chapel
1981 Dundas St. West, Mississauga, ON, L5K 1R2
Get Directions
Thursday, 5 Jun 2025 11:00 AM
Lunch
Turner & Porter - Neweduk - Erin Mills Chapel
1981 Dundas St. West, Mississauga, ON, L5K 1R2
Get Directions
Thursday, 5 Jun 2025 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Burial
Mount Pleasant Cemetery
375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON, M4T 2M1
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Thursday, 5 Jun 2025 1:30 PM
Info: Note - time of arrival at Cemetery is estimated only.