Linda Oppong Boateng, affectionately known as Afia (a Friday-born), was loved by family and friends at Bantama, a suburb of Kumasi, Ghana.She was the daughter of the late Mr. John Bernard Boateng (from Nsoatre, but lived in Bantama) and Mrs. Diana Nimakoh (from Anum in the Eastern Region, but lived in Accra).
Linda was the eldest child in the family. She was born on Friday, July 9, 1976, at Ahafo Sankore, located on the border between the Bono and Western Regions.She was named after her paternal aunt, Adwoa Achiaa, who was a good friend and classmate of Linda’s mother at Mampong College, where they both completed Hair Styling and Seamstress programs and obtained diploma certificates. Linda lived in Anum in the Eastern Region until the age of three (3), when she was relocated to Bantama to live with her paternal relatives. She was initially under the care of her grandmother and Auntie Adwoa Achiaa.Linda was a very resourceful person from a young age. She began cooking for her father at the age of eight (8), which later became her hobby. At the age of fifteen (15), Linda went to live with her stepmother in Bantama.
Linda started her education at a Day Care at Bantama Presbyterian at the age of four (4). She continued her primary education at Station Basic School, Uaddara Barracks, Kumasi, near Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, from 1981 to 1986.
After completing Primary Six, she was transferred to Armed Forces Junior Secondary School (currently known as Army). She later continued at Armed Forces Secondary Technical School, where she completed her secondary education in 1993.After school, Linda became a sewing apprentice under Madam Dora Preko for two (2) years at Asokwa, Kumasi, and later continued her training at Bantama.
In 2003, Linda attended Kessben Computer Training School at Adum, Kumasi, where she obtained a Diploma in Computer Studies. On March 15, 2000, Linda got married and later relocated to Canada to join her husband, Samuel Oppong. Shortly after her arrival, she decided to further her education and enrolled at the Academy of Learning College, where she obtained a Diploma as a Personal Support Worker (PSW).
Her future dream was to pursue Nursing after her children became more independent, but death did not permit her to fulfill this dream.
Linda always enjoyed the favor of God upon her life. After completing her Personal Support Worker (PSW) program, she was employed by The Village of Humber Heights in 2005, where she worked faithfully until her sudden demise on August 23, 2024.
She was deeply valued and loved by her coworkers and staff. Jamie Schlegel, President and CEO of Schlegel Health Care, stated:
“Linda was a valued and loved member of the Schlegel Villages family. We will miss her positive spirit and warm smile.”
Linda always brought joy, peace, and laughter wherever she went. At her workplace, whenever there was tension, she would crack a joke or play loud music and begin dancing. She constantly encouraged friends and coworkers to be kind to everyone, even to those who had previously wronged them. Linda lived out a practical Christian life wherever she found herself.
Linda, you will be dearly missed by your friends, coworkers, family, church members, and all who had the privilege of knowing you.
Anyone who knew Linda can attest to her ever-present smile and laughter. She was rarely seen angry or with a frowned face; she was always cheerful. She often said, “If you frown, more wrinkles will appear on your face and you will look older.” No wonder many people thought she was in her thirties when she passed away on August 23, 2024.
When asked about her priorities in life, she would answer without hesitation—Family. Family was always at the top of her priority list. She was the best mother, wife, aunt, sister, and grandma (as Jackie always teasingly called her). She ensured there was always enough food, clothing, and shoes in the house.
Linda loved cooking and preferred her meals to be eaten fresh after preparation; otherwise, she would get upset. Anyone who ever visited her home can testify that she made sure her food was tasted before leaving. Her favorite cooking TV shows were Original Mama Betty and Kwankyewaa Kitchen. She was naturally affable and hospitable.
No one knew where Linda learned her exceptional home-decorating skills; they could only be attributed to a gift from God. She loved decorating her home, especially the dining table. She became extremely excited about it and could change her dining table décor up to three times in a day. She ordered dining items such as plates, glasses, forks, and knives from all over the world, including the USA, UK, Germany, Turkey, and France.
Linda also had a keen eye for fashion, evident in how she dressed. She believed quality was reflected in price. After purchasing her clothes, she would model them at home with style and grace while making jokes. She will be missed terribly at home.
She loved playing loud music, especially gospel songs, while dancing. One of her favorite songs was “I Believe (Island Medley)” by Jonathan Nelson, which she played repeatedly. She also enjoyed African comedy shows, particularly Dr. Likee (Akabenezer).
Mama Linda will be greatly missed at home—without her smile, laughter, and funny jokes. A home without Linda, a virtuous wife and mother, is unthinkable. She is irreplaceable.
O Death, why did you deprive us of Linda so suddenly?
On one bright Friday afternoon, while I was in Advanced Level at Opoku Ware Secondary School (one of the best schools in Ghana), I went to buy a Chemistry textbook. On my way, I met Linda with her two younger sisters, Doreen and Eunice, as they were boarding a taxi from Kejetia to Bantama.
The moment I saw her beautiful face and ponytail hairstyle, my brain sent strong signals to my adrenal glands, releasing hormones such as adrenaline, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. My heart began to beat so fast that the book dropped from my hands! By the time I blinked, they had already boarded the taxi. Fortunately for me, the driver was waiting for one more passenger—and believe it or not, that person was me. I was so relieved when I entered the same cab.
I immediately greeted her and told her not to worry about the fare, but she politely declined. I had to secretly bribe the taxi driver not to take money from her. By the end of the ride, I was fully convinced that Linda was a unique and beautiful young lady, and I liked her even more.
That same evening, her father sent her to buy Guinness from California Bar. I told myself that this time I had to say everything necessary to make her accept my proposal—because I had never failed at anything in life for the third time (LOL). I proposed again, and this time she laughed briefly and said, “Hmmmm, you don’t know my dad. He is called the Tiger! But if you can come to my house, I will say yes.”
That very evening, I asked my cousin Kwakye and a few friends to accompany me to visit Linda. When we arrived, her father was not home, but shortly afterward we saw him approaching. Immediately he entered the house, all the guys who came with me ran away. After asking me a few questions, he said, “You are bold. Keep it up.”
Linda and I got married on March 15, 2000, and she relocated to Canada to join me on September 17, 2004. In Canada, Linda attended night school at Emery Collegiate while working. She had a strong interest in Health Services, so she obtained her Diploma as a Personal Support Worker (PSW) from the Academy of Learning College. Her dream was to become a nurse after the children were grown, but death did not permit her to fulfill this dream.
O Death, why did you shorten my wife’s life so suddenly?
With her PSW diploma, Linda worked at The Village of Humber Heights for over 17 years. She was loved by both coworkers and staff. She was always happy to go to work and felt proud to care for the residents, whom she lovingly called her Grandmas and Grandpas.
We were blessed with three children—Michael, Ashley, and Shelvin Oppong (spelled SAM backwards, LOL). My beloved life partner, Linda, was not only a wonderful wife and mother but also an amazing homemaker. Everyone who visited our home can testify that she was an excellent cook, a gifted decorator, a peacemaker, funny, jovial, and selfless.
She was indefatigable, managed the home fully, and made many warm friends. She never criticized people negatively; instead, she focused on their good qualities and praised them. She was honest, pure-hearted, truthful, and treated everyone with respect.
Dear friends, I close this tribute with humility and submission. I know many men have wonderful wives, but no one had a better wife than Linda. She was faithful, loyal, trustworthy, an amazing mother, a great auntie, and truly loving. She inspired me in ways I cannot explain.
I have lost a worthy helpmate, but I cherish 24 years of beautiful memories together. Though I grieve for my young and beautiful wife, the burden has been lightened by the kindness shown to me and my family by our extended family, church members, friends, coworkers, Linda’s colleagues, and the management of The Village of Humber Heights. Your support is deeply appreciated and will never be forgotten.
Linda is an angel now, and may her memory live forever.
We take consolation in the words of Apostle Paul, who reassures believers of a glorious reunion:
“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.”
— 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17
My wife Linda, you left us all of a sudden,
It was such a shock and left me confused.
I say I love you, but there’s no response from you.
I don’t see you dancing in the living room.
It is time to decorate your home;
I went to HomeSense on August 23, 2024,
But you did not come along—I did not see you there.
The food in the fridge is running out,
But I don’t see you making a grocery list
Or asking Ashley to write it on her phone.
Original Mama Betty is live on TV—
Why are you not watching?
She has a special recipe today.
Kwankyewaa’s Kitchen is also live,
But why are you not joining?
Coworkers at Humber Heights are asking for you.
Maame, Rebecca, and others are looking for you.
Sam, Michael, Ashley, and Shelvin are searching for you at home.
Why did you leave us so suddenly?
Though we cannot see you physically, we feel your presence.
We are confident we will meet again in Heaven.
May your pure soul rest in perfect peace.
Mommy, thank you for everything you have done for me. I am going to miss so much about you—especially how you always made the house look so nice. You had just gotten that new table and said we would use it for the holidays. It is staying just like that, just like the fancy dining table we never really used. Now that you are gone, I don’t think we will do much to the house anymore.
I am really going to miss your jollof. It was the only thing I would eat when there was no candy around. It was so spicy and so good, and no one’s jollof will ever be as good as yours.
The house is so quiet now, and I miss how loud it used to be. You would come home after me and turn the TV up so loud. Now it’s just quiet—unless Michael is playing music. It doesn’t feel the same.
I will also miss how funny you were. Like when you tried to wake Ashley or me up and we wouldn’t wake, so you would pour water on us to make sure we got up. I used to splash water on you after washing my hands. At first, you would yell, but after a while, you started throwing water back. We had so much fun.
I will miss you so much, Mommy.
I love you forever.
Never in my 17 years of living did I think I would be writing this. Only God knows what is in store for us. But Mommy—why so unexpectedly?
I will forever miss your smile and how much you loved life. I will always reminisce about the times you bought new clothes, put together outfits with dangerously loud heels, and walked around the house asking all of us how you looked. Don’t worry—I’ll carry that on for you.
I still clearly remember the times you helped me convince Dad that once my hair was done, my nails had to be done too. And prom season—I will never forget it. I am so grateful that you spent time, energy, and money (especially money) shopping for dresses, hair, and nails with me, even though I was stubborn and picky, especially at the last minute. Somehow, everything always came together—because of you.
It all still feels so unreal. Who am I going to call to say, “It’s too late” or “You should be home by now” (even though it’s only 5 p.m.)? I was supposed to get my licence and drive you wherever you wanted—especially HomeSense, our home away from home.
You were supposed to watch me walk across the stage one day to receive my university degree. My dream was to spoil you and Dad endlessly once I achieved my career goals, but only God knew what was to come.
Thank you for not only being the best—but for being my mother. I know you are looking down from heaven, smiling. I will strive to make you proud always, because I know one day we will reunite in heaven.
Growing up in Ghana with my mom was amazing—especially since I was her only (and favourite) child at the time. From ages 2 to 7, she made sure I had a birthday party every single year, rain or shine.
There was one year I remember clearly when the whole neighbourhood had no power. That didn’t stop my mom. She made sure I enjoyed every year God added to my life, and I will miss her dearly for that.
As an adult, my relationship with my mom never changed. She would always give me random advice—about friends, people, and especially the girl I would eventually spend my life with. In the mornings when I dropped her off at work, we talked about everything. If I joked about getting a girl pregnant or something crazy, she would laugh and say, “That’s your problem—you gotta figure it out.” Right after that, she’d tell me to turn off my music and play more gospel songs.
She was all about family and being kind to everyone. But when it came to her plates and dining sets, that was serious business. If I had to name three things she adored most, it would be her home decorations, table settings, and plates. Break or throw any of them away by accident, and you’d never hear the end of it.
She loved and cared deeply for her family, always cooking—even when she didn’t feel like it. She made it a priority.
She will be dearly missed by her favourite child.
Sis—as we affectionately called Linda—was the most caring, honest, and kind soul God gifted us with. As the eldest among us siblings, she played the role of a big sister exceptionally well. She always disciplined and corrected us whenever we went off track. She was very hardworking and consistently did her best to be a positive role model for us, her younger siblings.
From the very moment we heard of her passing, our hearts have been filled with unbearable pain and sadness. Even now, we still find it difficult to accept the fact that our dearest sister is gone forever.
With uncontrollable tears flowing from our eyes, the thought that we will no longer talk, share jokes, or hear your laughter feels unacceptable. Our lives will never be the same without you, and we will surely miss you always.
God knows best, and we cannot in any way challenge His wisdom. As your siblings, we will forever cherish the beautiful memories we shared with you in our hearts.
To our one and only beautiful and dearest sister, Afia, we will never say goodbye, for we know you are with God in heaven. We love you dearly. Until we meet again, beautiful sister, rest well.
— From your siblings:
Doreen Boateng (Maame Yaa)
Eunice Boateng (Ama)
To my precious daughter-in-law, Afia.
Auntie Linda, my daughter-in-love, my Afia—such a sweet and precious soul. A woman of many hats: a wife, a daughter, a wonderful cook, and so much more. Many can attest that your presence brought joy, happiness, love, laughter, and cheerfulness wherever you went.
I am heartbroken. My mind still cannot comprehend what has happened. I have lost someone I truly considered a treasure in my life. I will never forget the times after church when you took me to your home, cooked for me, fed me, took beautiful pictures together, and even put on funny movies for us to watch. You were one of the people in my life who cared so deeply for me.
Throughout the week, you would always call to make sure I had enough rest, ate well, and relaxed. I will never forget the times we communicated through “Alexa”—which I kept calling “Hadassah”—and we would laugh endlessly together.
Whenever you visited me, I felt a deep sense of contentment overwhelm me. The patience you had with me—sitting with me, massaging my feet, and placing pillows under them—meant so much. Sometimes, you even visited me after long shifts at work.
On special occasions—my birthday, Christmas, and Mother’s Day—the gifts you bought were always exactly what I needed. It felt as though you heard my conversations with God about the things I desired. I will never forget the times you sang Happy Birthday to me and how we laughed when I said “thank you” in English. You were truly special to me.
There is a saying that actions speak louder than words, and Afia, your love for me was shown through your actions. They reflected a depth of love beyond my understanding. I cannot fully express the fondness I carry for you in my heart.
You went far beyond the role of an in-law. In my heart, you were my daughter. You held such a vital place in my life, and your loss has caused a pain deeper than I ever imagined.
One thing that will always stay with me is the purity of your heart. You truly set the standard for what it means to be pure in heart, as the Word of God teaches. This is one of the many reasons I loved you so deeply.
Though we may question why God took you so soon, we know that although you are absent from the body, you are present with the Lord. While this loss is difficult, I know that one day when we reunite in heaven, it will be a joyous occasion.
This loss reminds us to cherish those around us—to love, forgive, and do good to one another. May we live each day with purity so that one day we may stand before God and hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Afia, we will miss you dearly.
Until we meet again—we love you.
Today, we come together to honour the remarkable life of our beautiful daughter Afia, known to many as Linda Oppong Boateng.
Afia was a radiant soul whose kindness knew no bounds. Her warm spirit and generous heart touched many lives, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her.
As an amazing wife and mother, Afia devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family, nurturing her children with care, love, and unwavering support. Her home was a sanctuary filled with joy, laughter, and unconditional love. The strength she displayed in her role as a mother will forever inspire us.
Though we grieve her sudden loss, we take comfort in knowing that she is now with her father in heaven, smiling down at us with her beautiful smile.
Afia, we were so proud of you. We love you, and you will forever remain in our hearts because of the precious memories we shared. Afia Ahoufe, Obaapa, though our hearts ache, we know you are at peace, resting in the bosom of the Lord. You will forever be missed and cherished.
Damirifa due, Damirifa due,
Damirifa due ne amanehunu.
Da yie, Obaapa!
Nyame nfa wo kra nsie… Amen!
“It’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you, but what you leave behind when you go.” — Unknown
To our dear Linda, our sweet Akumaa, the most beautiful Afia—your loss has shaken our family deeply and left a void in our hearts that only the Lord God can fill.
Afia fostered a relationship with us that went far beyond that of a sister-in-law. She cultivated a bond rooted in true sisterhood. She was a mother rich in love, a gentle soul, a woman with a tranquil and easygoing spirit, and the embodiment of purity of heart.
Whenever Afia entered a room, her presence was immediately felt. Her smile and laughter were so infectious that they could brighten any space. We will miss a truly great woman. Her legacy will never be forgotten and is forever cemented in our family.
Till we meet again.
With love, Maame Serwaa and Family
A Beacon of Love and Laughter**
Our eyes are filled with tears as we stand where you now rest. The weight of sadness hangs heavily upon us because you are no longer physically with us. Yet, amidst the pain, we find comfort in the cherished memories you left behind.
Oh Linda, how we miss you.
You departed without a goodbye, leaving us gazing into the light, hoping for one last glimpse of you—so that even as you rest in peace, our hearts may also find peace. The void you have left is profound, one only God can fill. We console ourselves knowing that one day, in the bosom of the Lord, we shall meet again.
Living Word Assembly of God
139 Millwick Drive
Toronto, Ontario
“If we have been united with Christ like this in His death, we will certainly also be united with Him in His resurrection.”
— Romans 6:5
We are gathered today to mourn the passing of our beloved sister, Linda Oppong Boateng. However, we do not mourn as those without hope, but as believers with assurance, conviction, faith, and fervent hope. We believe our sister is only asleep, having laid aside a body that had become a burden, at the command of our loving God and Father. While we remain here below, she has joined the saints above.
Sister Linda was a devout and committed member of the Living Word Assembly of God Church, faithfully following our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was always cheerful and greeted everyone with a warm smile. Her smile and laughter will be greatly missed.
Though her sudden departure is difficult to comprehend, we are comforted by our hope in Christ. Recognizing that we are “God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,” Sister Linda lived out her faith through service and love within the Living Word family. We are grateful to God for her life and service.
Our prayers remain with the family she has left behind—especially her husband, Samuel Oppong, and their children, Michael, Ashley, and Shelvin.
We remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ:
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies.”
— John 11:25
We thank God for the life He gave you, Sister Linda, and for how He used you to bless others. In the words of a cherished hymn, we say:
Rest in sleep, dearest—rest in sleep.
