Helen Margaret Merkley
Helen Margaret Merkley passed away peacefully at Dundas Manor on Sept. 27, 2003. She was 90.
She was born on May 26, 1913 to Lillie MacEwen and Alexander Taylor of Grantley. She was the last surviving member of her family. There were three sisters, Lottie Willis, Bessie Hummell and Lillian Bogart; and two brothers, Grant and Lorne Taylor.
She married James H. Merkley on June 24, 1931. They lived and worked together on their Forward Road farm. They raised five children, Ivan, Stella, Graham, Claire and Barry. On Jan. 8, 1983, her husband passed away.
She continued to live in her own home with her two sons, Claire and Barry. During those years, she enjoyed travelling to Florida and visiting her sisters in New York City and Wilmington, Delaware. She also enjoyed many bus trips with her friends. She enjoyed her family, flowers, baking, gardening and visitors, especially two neighbor girls, Amanda and Cindy, who lived close to her. She attended Trinity United Church and was a member of the UCW.
In May 1995, in failing health, she moved to Dundas Manor, where she enjoyed many activities. She very much appreciated the care and love given to her by the staff. She looked forward to holidays and birthdays when she would visit her own home.
She is survived by her sons, Ivan, Graham, Claire and Barry, all of Chesterville, and daughter Stella (Bill) McIntyre of Brockville. She is survived by five grandchildren, Michael McIntyre (Dianne) of Lyn, Jane Benson (Gregory) of Lyn, Kimberly Brown (Jason) of Chesterville, Vicky Merkley of Iroquois, and Corinne Merkley of Chesterville.
She is also survived by five great-grandchildren, William and Karen McIntyre and Troy and Samantha Benson, all of Lyn; and Nolan Brown of Chesterville. She was predeceased by daughter-in-law Betty Merkley in December 1990.
Friends called at the Chesterville Funeral Home on Sept. 29. The funeral service was held in the chapel at the funeral home on Sept. 30, with Rev. Mary Lou Shortill officiating. Interment was at Maple Ridge Cemetery. The pallbearers were Tom Forward, Brian Smith, Gordon Smith and Reggie Shay.
In remembrance, donations to the Trinity United Church or the Dundas Manor would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.