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Verna Merkley Obituary
Miss Verna Lois Merkley died very suddenly at her residence on April 21st, 3 days after her 72nd birthday. Born at McKellar General Hospital, April 18, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Kenneth C. and Eunice Merkley, the granddaughter of the late Frank and Pearl Merkley and the late George and Annie Jenkins.
Verna attended S.S. #4 School in Oliver Township and Northwood High School completing Grade 12. Having been diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a very young child, Verna struggled with many health issues for her entire life and far exceeded the life expectancy of her early childhood. She was a very long time and active member of Redwood Park Church and made many lasting friendships there. Verna was known for her great prowess as a knitter. She created many beautiful dresses and sweaters and also knit many baby blankets as gifts and, also, upon request. She had a kind and generous heart. Verna was interested in the family tree and spent hundreds of hours researching it over the years.
Verna is survived by her sister Ruth Merkley and her children Mark (Angie) Bickmore and Andrew Bickmore, sister Alice (Laird) Morrison and her children Susan (Brad) Loewen, Tim (Alyson) Morrison and Jason (Ashlee) Morrison and her sister Jean Henshell and her children Thomas (Catherine) Henshell and Pamela Henshell. Great nieces and nephews, cousins and former brother-in-law John Bickmore also survive. She was predeceased by her aunts Laura Kemp, Erma Merkley, Elsie Wambolt, Lois Davis, Marjorie Andrew and uncle Harry Jenkins.
We know that she is at peace with her Lord and reunited with her loved ones. The Celebration of Life for Verna Merkley will be held on Saturday, April 30th at 11:00 a.m. at Jenkens Funeral Home, 226 South Syndicate Avenue, with the Rev. Gordon Holroyd officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. Flowers are gratefully declined, but should you wish, donations to Heart & Stroke in her memory would be greatly appreciated.
www.jenkens-funeral.ca
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Memories and Condolences
for Verna Merkley
Sponsored by Jenkens Funeral Home - Thunder Bay Arbour Memorial.
6 Entries
Gladys Peacock
April 28, 2016
Hi Verna
I remember her from Church
Ray and Ruth Baker
April 27, 2016
Verna was a true prayer warrior. She hand wrote many messages of encouragement to her dear friends at church. She sent birthday wishes or called (or both). We will miss her waiting at the door for her 'hug' from all her friends each week. I remember her dedication to assisting on Tuesday evenings with the Pioneer Girls Club in the 70's. She just loved to attend each and every function and celebration in the church. God prepared a special place for you in heaven.
Rose Jardine
April 27, 2016
Ruth, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Verna very well from Bible Studies and Church gatherings. Heaven has gained a treasure.
Dana Con Myron Stefurak
April 26, 2016
Dear Alice and Laird: We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your sister Vera. As the days and weeks pass on may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family in this time of sorry. May God Bless and comfort you.
love
Dana Con and Myron
April 26, 2016
My sincere condolences to Verna's family. She was a regular shopper at our County Fair Plaza Zeller's store. As a 20 year employee at Zeller's, I have fond memories of Verna and helping her out many times on her visits. May she Rest in Eternal Peace.
Patti Brown and the Staff of Store # 116.
Yuri & Darlene Stezenko
April 26, 2016
We will sure miss seeing Verna in the foyer between services each Sunday, and getting those enthusiastic hugs! We've known Verna for many years, and she never missed giving us birthday cards and anniversary cards. She had such an enormous ministry of loving, encouraging, and praying for all of us. She was an amazing prayer warrior. Verna probably gave thousands of cards and phone calls to encourage others over the years. The best words we know to describe our little friend Verna are LOYAL and FAITHFUL.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Memorial Events
for Verna Merkley
Apr
30
Visitation
10:00 a.m.
Jenkens Funeral Home - Thunder Bay226 S SYNDICATE AVE. , Thunder Bay, ON P7E 1C8
Apr
30
Celebration of Life
11:00 a.m.
Jenkens Funeral Home - Thunder Bay226 S SYNDICATE AVE. , Thunder Bay, ON P7E 1C8
Funeral services provided by:
Jenkens Funeral Home - Thunder Bay226 S SYNDICATE AVE. , Thunder Bay, ON P7E 1C8