Linda Marie Stitt

May 27, 2020

Poet and long running Song & Poetry Salon host Linda Stitt passed away on May 27, 2020 at the age of 88. She was beloved by a large community of singers and writers. Linda was born in Huntsville, Ontario March 6, 1932 and was educated in Georgetown and Toronto. She lived for many years in Thunder Bay, returning to Toronto in 1978, working at a series of odd jobs until “forced” by friends to come out of the closet with her poetry in 1982. She was a prolific talent and since then has published a great number of books of poetry (with another one on the way) and co-authored three others, and over the past many years frequently performed her poetry across the province. She spent the best part of her life bringing other people together, being a catalyst for many poets, musicians, writers and artists. She enveloped every living soul in her aura of peace and friendship. Her own art and poetry towered above the rest, yet she was humble and always had a word of encouragement for everyone else. Her poetry was full of wit and whimsy and insights of wisdom. Even till the very end, listening to Linda read her poetry was a delight - so entertaining and charming was her personality that you could hear a pin drop when she read her poems. Glen Hornblast, musician and host of Song & Poetry Salon shared his thoughts about Linda below: What can I say about Linda Stitt? I was honoured to be her friend and compatriot, and even more honoured that she asked me to carry on her legacy of the song and poetry salons, which I will certainly try my best to do. To all of us who mourn her, remember the gift of love and light that she gave to us all. I happen to know so many friends who have her books and keep them available on their night table. Linda was like a candle that lit so many other flames. I have never known anyone like her. Linda is survived by her daughter Paula and her son Kim and daughter-in-law Jody. As per her wishes Linda has been cremated and there will be no funeral service. A celebration of her life will take place when it’s all safe for us to gather again. Mom loved a good party! In lieu of flowers, please honour her memory by being kind to one another.