January 23, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Linda Brownlee (nee Savarella) of Kamloops, B.C., on January 23, 2024. Linda is survived by her loving husband John Brownlee, stepchildren Dianne (Craig) Simmons of Port Coquitlam, B.C., Ali (Jory) Maki of Celista, B.C., and Joanne (Gabriel) Brownlee of Calgary, AB, as well as grandchildren Taysia Maki, Ryan Simmons, and Kira Simmons. Also left to cherish her memory are brothers Roy Savarella, John (Sue) Savarella and Les (Cary) Savarella, as well as nieces and nephews Krista, Michael, Chris, Jamie, and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, in-laws, and friends. Linda was predeceased by her mom & dad, Boris (“Buck”) & Barbara Savarella.

Linda was born in Lytton, B.C. and lived in Boston Bar which is where she began school. Her father, a railroader would transfer throughout B.C. Linda would attend school from Boston Bar to McBride and Prince Rupert where she graduated. Linda lived and worked for a short time in Edmonton before returning to B.C. where she worked for an accounting firm. After a short time, she moved to Kamloops which is where her Dad and Mom decided to retire. It is there she met and married John.

They would be married for 36 ½ years. Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s took over and robbed Linda of her quality of life 13 years ago.

In Kamloops, Linda worked at BMO’s Commercial Division where she took pride in her work and making lifelong friendships with so many staff and clients alike. After leaving the bank and having completed her mortgage broker course she was asked to work for Kokanee Mortgage which is where she spent her remaining work years until being diagnosed. As an employee Linda was always respected for dedicated work ethic and admired for her integrity.

Linda loved her adopted family and created so many memories with her 3 stepdaughters and all extended family in particular her grandchildren Taysia, Ryan, and Kira.

Growing up in a family of four, her being the only girl she would learn to stick up for her rights but loved the tease that followed, from brothers and cousins. Linda had many beloved pets throughout her life.

Even under care by her new adopted family at Gemstone, she was so loved.  Though the terrible disease took her ability to speak she always had a smile. Now in heaven with her new family of Angels she will be drinking her diet Coke, eating KitKat and if you try to pick on her watch out!  She just might throw you her middle finger.

A celebration of Linda’s life will take place at a later date. A private family inurnment was held at Hillside Cemetery in Kamloops, B.C.

Special thanks to Gemstone Care Centre in Kamloops for their wonderful care of Linda. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society in Kamloops.

You may offer a message of condolence at Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services for the Brownlee family.

• Date : 2024-01-23
• Location : Kamloops