LUKINUK, Linda

1947~ 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Linda Lukinuk, February 11, 2026, a loving mother, a remarkable woman and a devoted grandmother, sister, aunt, niece and friend.

God saw Her getting tired.

A cure was not to be.

So He wrapped her in His loving arms and whispered come with me.

Linda Lukinuk was born on May 12, 1947 in Westlock Alberta to the parents, Charlie and Iris Schenkel. Linda was the eldest of her eleven siblings. Linda inherited at a very young age her nurturing and enduring spirit, her exceptional kindness, and her boundless love for her family. This will live forever in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, family and friends.

When Linda left the family home and set out on her own, she met and then married Thomas Lukinuk on July 18, 1965 in Calgary, Alberta. Soon after they married, they welcomed the first of their four children: Laura Lea, Lance, Lorretta and Thomas Jr.

The Lukinuk Family purchased their home and settled into the town of Innisfail in the spring of 1977. While raising their four children, Tom and Linda established a janitorial and cleaning business that sustained them for many years. Their company provided essential services to a wide range of local establishments, including businesses, banks, schools, the Action Market and the local Police Station.

Linda took great pride in the company’s ability to provide employment opportunities to many community members and extended support and work to her own family members. Linda’s commitment to both professional excellence and community development defined her character, she always took care of others and often put her own needs aside.

Linda loved her family dearly, she consistently demonstrated this through hard work and devotion. Linda’s discipline combined with her passion, love and care for all her endeavors, was truly inspiring.

Following the passing of Thomas in July 2005, Linda continued her career in the janitorial business. She remained working at the Innisfail Meat Packers, where she built many long – lasting friendships. These connections eventually led to a trip to Switzerland, which she enjoyed alongside two of her dearest friends.

Years later and following the closure of the Innisfail meat Packers, Linda continued her dedicated janitorial work within the community. This path led her back to where her journey first began in 1977. Linda took on the role of custodian at Innisfail High School. During her time there, Linda once again built deep, long-lasting friendships and meaningful connections with the teachers, secretaries, principals, colleagues, and students. Linda was well known for her thoughtful gestures, often leaving special notes, birthday cards and sweet treats for those around her. Linda would always decorated the halls, classrooms, and staff rooms for any, and all occasions. Her wisdom was truly unmatched, and she possessed a unique gift for making everyone she encountered feel special and valued.

Years passed. Eventually a change in Linda’s health led her to decide to retire as the High School’s custodian. Linda deeply missed the human connection, the daily chats and her presence within the school community. Linda often mentioned how she wished she could return to work; however, We all knew it was not the physical labor she missed, but rather the cherished friendships she built there.

In her retirement, Linda remained steadfast in her values and beliefs, and her family meant everything to her, more than ever. Linda loved nothing more than being at home and welcoming visits from her children and grandchildren, friends and family. Linda also took great joy in the following sports, always looking forward to cheering on the Toronto Blue Jays and the Edmonton Oilers.

As Linda’s health deteriorated over the past few years, she learned to adapt and accept her limitations. She remained humble, strong, and resilient with the same passion and kindness she had always displayed. Linda was a beacon of light, strength, and unconditional love, she will be forever cherished by her family, friends and colleagues.

She suffered much in silence, her spirit did not bend,

She faced her pain with courage, until the very end.

She tried so hard to stay with us, her fight was all in vain.

God took her to his loving home and freed her from all pain.

Linda is survived by her children: Lance Lukinuk, Lorretta Vanamelsvoort, and Thomas Lukinuk (partner Bryanna and son Stetson, her grandchildren: Mackenzie Vanamelsvoort and Daxten Lukinuk, her three sisters: Connie, Debbie and Rosalea, her two brothers: Ernie and Ricky as well as many other family members, friends and colleagues. Linda was preceded in death by: her parents; Charlie (1993) and Iris Schenkel (2015), her husband; Thomas Lukinuk (2005), her oldest daughter; Laura Lea Lukinuk (2025), her son in law; Louis Vanamelsvoort (2020), and her brothers: Michael , Johnny, Danny, Randy, and Larry.

In keeping with Linda’s wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. A Celebration of Linda’s life is to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, The family kindly asks that you perform a random act of kindness for someone without expecting anything in return.

We thank you in advance for.

“Paying It Forward” In memory of Linda.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006

• Date : 2026-02-27
• Location : Heartland Funeral Services (Innisfail) www.heartlandfuneralservices.com 403.227.0006