Obituary of Linda Jean Marie PUNSTEL

Linda Punstel

April 27, 1957 – October 28, 2024

After a year long battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Linda Punstel (née Boileau) passed away at the age of 67 on October 28, 2024. Linda was born on April 27, 1957 to Graig and Valerie Boileau (née Charlebois) in Atikokan, Ontario. 

She will be remembered for her strong will, her outgoing and gregarious nature, and love for her family and community.

Growing up in Northern Ontario, she was surrounded by nature and enjoyed countless outdoor adventures with her siblings and friends. She was an enthusiastic athlete and lover of sports. She worked as a life guard in the summer in her home town and was on various sports teams including basketball, volleyball, badminton, and swimming. Her time spent in the Outers; a program where students participated in canoe trips and camping, was a highlight of her high school years. 

An athlete through and through, she played softball, badminton, took up rowing, and became an avid cyclist later in life. 

Linda was a singer, pianist, and lover of music. Always singing and playing piano in the house, she shared her joy in music with her husband and children. 

In 1976, she attended the University of North Dakota and completed her degree in Bachelor of Science and Education. She was on the university swim team and enjoyed an active social life and made many lifelong friends. After graduating, she moved to Calgary and began teaching physical education.

Linda moved to Norway in 1983 for a short period, where she learned some Norwegian and traveled the country. 

After returning to Canada, she joined the Scandinavian Club where she attended canoe trips, ski trips, dances, and where she met her husband to be, Neil Punstel. 

She held a variety of jobs through her life including a teacher, accounts manager, bus driver, and bookkeeper. She was always up for a challenge and ready to learn something new. 

Her open mindedness and fearless sense of adventure led her to travel to over fifteen different countries to satisfy her interests in culture, architecture, language, and of course cuisine. 

Many people know Linda by her active participation in her community. She was a member of many clubs and organizations such as the St. Mark's Choir, Gourmet Group, University Women’s Club, various cycling groups, the Orangeville Food Bank, and the Achill Choral Society. She was always ready with a helping hand to drive people to church or help refugees settle in their new homes. 

Beloved wife of Neil Punstel (deceased), forever to be loved and remembered by her five children Jason Sternat, Alexandra Punstel, Olivia Punstel, Laura Punstel, and Victoria Punstel, and her two grandchildren Adam Sternat, and Jasper Lavallee. 

She is survived by her siblings Janice Paulson (née Boileau), Karen Boileau, Robert Boileau, David Boileau, Christopher Boileau, Jacqueline Boileau, Mary-Anne Boileau, and Paul Boileau. She was a loving and supportive Aunt to her countless nieces and nephews and their children. 

While we mourn her loss, we take comfort in knowing she lived a life full of love, adventure, challenge, and purpose. 

The funeral Service will be held at St. Mark’s Anglican Church (5 First Ave, Orangeville, ON L9W 2Z5) on Monday, November 4, 2024 at 12:00 pm. The family will receive friends and loved ones one hour prior to service. 

Reception to follow with lunch. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Headwaters Health Care Centre Emergency Department, or Stronach Regional Cancer Centre would be appreciated

Online condolences can be made at www.imfunerals.com

In Memoriam Funeral Services Inc. has been given the honour to serve the Punstel Family.