A Life of Service
By Celia Dyer
Volunteer Linda Eberle (photo contributed)
Linda Eberle came to the Shuswap more than 40 years ago and has been a dedicated volunteer in her community ever since. Her commitment to service comes naturally. In the early 1900s, her Norwegian grandfather founded a cooperative store in his Saskatchewan farm kitchen and started a Lutheran congregation in his living room; setting a lasting example of community leadership and care.
When Linda and her lifelong friend Verna Langevin arrived in Sorrento in 1985, they built a home and a livelihood literally from the ground up. Their bed and breakfast, The Evergreens, was a safe haven for travellers and a hub for many community gatherings; the highlight being the many Nativity Pageants they hosted over the years. The Evergreens was not so much a way to make a living but more importantly, a way to live. They never missed an opportunity to open their home to events that would bring people together and foster community spirit.
From the moment she called Sorrento home, Linda became actively involved in local organizations. The Sorrento and District Hospice Society was formed in 1985 and Linda was integral to its success. She helped provide meals and transportation for seniors, coordinated the medical equipment loan program, and facilitated courses for volunteers. She also volunteered with the Lions Manor and the Sorrento Community Hall.
When Linda shares her story, two qualities stand out: her steadfastness and her authenticity. She has been a constant with the Hospice Society for four decades and singlehandedly kept the equipment loan program active until two years ago. Having medical equipment available in our own community has been a vital and appreciated service. Eldene Lindberg, a retired Community Care Aide, says: “Linda was always available whenever my clients needed equipment and having access right here in Sorrento was invaluable.”
Linda’s commitment to service lies at the core of who she is. She believes that the essence of being human is connection. “If you work for yourself and you get to a point where you can’t do it anymore, it’s the end of the road. If you work to serve others, your purpose is never-ending. We are not meant to live life in isolation, we are meant to reach out to others.”
When asked what fulfills her, Linda says she loves to watch her neighbourhood grow and thrive. “I’m amazed when I see young people who want to help an older person like me. I think - ‘oh, there’s potential!’” She recounts how someone listened and offered help when she was searching for a way to keep the Hospice Society afloat.
That connection blossomed into a revitalized Hospice Society that is building on the foundation of Linda’s years of hard work. Robin Graham, President of the newly formed South Shuswap Hospice Society says: “We all love Linda, she’s invaluable. She has given such good input and we have gained so much from her wisdom and experience.”
The new Hospice Society had its first meetings in Linda’s home. It’s easy to see the parallel between the beginnings of a cooperative movement in a homesteader’s kitchen in Saskatchewan and the continuation of an important community service at The Evergreens. Linda’s grandfather would be very proud.
April is National Volunteer Week (April 19 - 25, 2026). Please take a moment to thank the volunteers in your sphere and consider the impact and value of their work in our community. It’s hard to imagine where we’d be without them!
