Obituary of Linaya Lynn Lessmeister

Linaya Lynn’s light entered the world on December 10, 1973. She was the first born child of Doris and Albey McNalley. Her parents say she was quiet and sweet from the very beginning. She was adorable, with her rosy cheeks and twinkling eyes that captured the hearts of her grandparents, aunties and uncles alike. Her spirit of adventure and natural ability to bring people together in fun, always made her a leader amongst her many cousins and friends. Along with her little brother, Dalan; she experienced a childhood on the farm. Exploring nature, camping, hunting and fishing, biking up and down McNalley Lane, swimming in - and skating on - the dugouts, riding horses, and having sleepovers at Grandma McNalley’s were some of the special things farm life provided Linaya. Yupperdoodles, she was a busy young gal! Scooter-Root toot, before we knew it, Linaya was sweet sixteen. She asked her Mom for permission to attend the Macklin Fall Jamboree with her best friend Donna; and then turned to her Dad for a more favourable answer. It was here that Linaya met the man who captured her heart and became her partner for life. August 21, 1993 was a beautiful summer day. Surrounded by navy, pink, and people who loved them, Carman and Linaya pledged their love to one another. Their married life began as city folks. They lived in both Calgary and Edmonton those first few years working on post secondary studies. Linaya earned her Bachelor of Education degree from the U of A in 1996. They worked hard together during this time to establish a strong foundation on which to build a family. This dream was realized when they eventually settled on making their home in Grandma McNalleys yard. Country roots run deep. They tend to nourish strong family values and a quiet sense of contentment. Linaya, and her father-in-law, Wilfred both saw this and lived as the bible says - “Be kind and compassionate to one another.” Linaya and Carman were blessed with 3 beautiful daughters - Casie Dana and Hanna Lynn on February 2, 1999; and Erinn Linaya on December 15, 2002. These incredible young ladies were cherished and adored by their Mom and will be a legacy to the beautiful lady who raised them. Linaya marvelled at her precious ‘chicklets.’ Sadly, Linaya passed away with her family by her side on September 8, 2020 at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta at the age of 46 years. Linaya will be forever loved and missed by her husband, Carman; daughters, Casie Lessmeister (Kameron), Hanna (Ethan) Campbell and Erinn Lessmeister; parents, Albey and Doris McNalley; mother in law, Maggie Lessmeister; brother, Dalan (Dee) McNalley; brothers in law, Darrell Lessmeister, Richard Lessmeister and Clayton (Jen) Lessmeister; sister in law, Dana (Colin) Swanson; as well as numerous nieces, nephew, other relatives and many dear friends. She was predeceased by her father in law, Wilfred Lessmeister. Linaya has touched and enriched all of our lives. She will always be remembered as someone who accepted and inspired others. Every time we are able to show another person grace as a result of what Linaya has taught us, her light will continue to shine in this world. We all have precious memories of what Linaya has said and done for us. We will hold tight to how Linaya made us feel through her loving words and actions. Linaya, you are loved beyond measure. Due to the restrictions on gatherings an invitational funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at the Provost Community Church with Pastor Clay Ahearn officiating. Interment will take place at the North Cadogan Cemetery. A video of the service will be available through the GFH website for those who are not able to attend the service. Update - Linaya Lessmeister Funeral Recording & Live Stream: We wanted to simply let everyone know that the internet connection at the place of the service simply was not strong enough to be able to provide a live stream service. We apologize in advance for this as we deeply recognize the desire to be collected as family and friends right now. With that, we want you to know that we are having the service professionally recorded and edited for you to be able to watch later this week. Our goal is to have the service ready to be viewed by Friday, September 18, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. M.S.T. Sincerely, Your GFH Team