July 3, 1922 - December 8, 2021
In loving memory ~
Merle passed away after suffering memory dementia for a number of years.
She was predeceased by her husband, Keith and daughter, Andrea, 8 bothers & sisters & son-in-law, Robin Shaw. Survived by daughters Nadine Shaw, Marney (Ron) Qually and Dale (Bill) Nicholson, 4 grandchildren and 4 great- grandchildren, many nieces & nephews, sister-in-law Elizabeth Weir.
Very active in her community Merle started with the Sunningdale PTA, serving as Chair and then Chair of the PTA Council for Trail. She also taught Kindergarten and Sunday School at East Trail United Church, later becoming superintendent of both, as well as a leader and then Superintendent of the CGIT. In 1962 Merle became the first Chair of the United Church Women at East Trail United Church and also became one of its first female Elders. Merle was one of its delegates to the Kootenay Presbytery and B.C. Conference for many years. (The above picture was taken at her last conference at the age of 91!) Outside of her church activities, Merle was also Chair of the Trail Council of Women and a member of the Hospital Board of Trail, when she wrote the column "Boardroom Banter" for the Trail Daily Times and continued the column for several years after ending her term on the board. Merle was one of the main driving forces in the Aquatic Centre Society for the new pool and centre which took 10 long years to accomplish! She was involved for many years in an ecumenical life-long learning lunch group with a humanitarian focus.
Merle will be missed by all who knew & loved her.
Thank you to the wonderful, caring staff of Columbia View Lodge for making her residency as comfortable as possible. Funeral service will be held in 2022 due to Covid & travel restrictions.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Trail United Church or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's online register at www.myalternatives.ca
Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services