It is with great sadness, that we have to inform members of the sudden death of Linda Smith. Linda joined the NIMH in 2006 and had lived and practiced in Surrey. Between 2007 and 2009, she worked as one of the Institute’s information line volunteers covering email and postal enquiries and was a very efficient and likable lady.
Her funeral will be held on May 2nd 2012 at Guildford crematorium chapel at 11.00am. This will be followed by burial at Shamley Green woodland site. There will be a wake at the Bricklayers Arms, Shamley Green.
Donations preferred to The CMA (Cardiomyopathy Assoc.) Flowers (please, no wreaths) c/o J.Gorringe & Son, 55 Hare Lane, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 3EF
If you wish to attend please RSVP to either of the people listed below.
Paul Home: 01932262414 Mobile: 07710191004
Email: paulparasol@btinternet.com
Sarah Home: 01483271706 Mobile :07780778782
Email: sarah.martin-1@tiscali.co.uk
Below is a small reflection of the type of person Linda was – written by her friend, Bernadette Dowling.
Linda Smith got most of her satisfaction in life from helping others. In her role as a Personnel Manager, before becoming a medical herbalist, she was motivated to help those struggling with problems at work. As this ideal became eroded in her career she decided to embark on a full time BSc (Hons) degree in 2003 at Westminster University and was a very successful student. She was known as a gentle student, for her dry sense of humour and bravery in tackling any issue no matter what the personal costs were. During this course she suffered from Graves Disease but continued the course without interruption. As a consequence of this condition, soon after graduating, she was diagnosed as suffering from the complication of Cardiomyopathy. However these personal health challenges did not stop Linda from running her herbal practice, taking herb walks, giving herbal talks to groups and giving herbal courses.
It therefore came as a huge shock to her partner Paul, when Linda collapsed as they were leaving their flat a week last Saturday. Despite carrying out external cardiac resuscitation until the ambulance arrived Linda’s heart could not be restarted.
Her friends and colleagues reflect on what a thoroughly decent loveable person she was and can be best remembered by this small story. When asked in her final clinical exam if she would like a glass of water replied “I would like something a lot blooming stronger than water to get me through this” Well anyone who knew Linda can do just that next Wednesday.
