Merle was born on September 1, 1936 in Melfort, Saskatchewan to Ruby and Reginald Lancaster. She had always dreamed of becoming a nurse and after completing High School in Edmonton, went on to the University of Alberta where she graduated from the Nursing Program in 1958. Her career in nursing spanned over 4 decades in locations which included High Prairie, Edmonton, and Calgary. She retired in 1992, moving to Cochrane, to start a new career of caring for her grandchildren and other children for the next 16 years. Nothing meant more to Merle than her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Eastern Star was a very big part of Merle’s life for a long time. She became a member of the organization in the early 1970’s in the Amity Chapter in Edmonton. Upon moving to Cochrane, she joined the Zenith Chapter, where she eventually rose to take on the role of Worthy Matron in 1996.
Merle loved to travel all over Canada and the USA both with and without her family. In 2011 she had the opportunity to experience one of her dream vacations by taking a cruise to Alaska for her 75th birthday.
People will always remember Merle for her warmth, generosity, and kindness. She possessed the ability to make friends in any place or situation.
Merle will always be lovingly remembered by her family and children: Carlene (Brian) Matheson, Kelly (Karen) Rich, Todd (Leslie) Rich, Kimberlee (Kevin) Armstrong, Teresa (Tony) Bridges and daughter-law Judith Rich; her grandchildren Greg, Kent, Kelsey, Stephanie, Bethany, Megan, Adam, Allen, Will, Anthony and Marissa and her great grandchildren Claire, Mikaela, Austin, and Rowan. Merle is also survived by her sister Patricia Lauren and her nieces Debbie and Jennifer as well as the many other children that Merle cared for during her life and to whom she became a surrogate Nana. She was predeceased by her son Cameron Edward Rich in November 2019 and her parents Reginald and Ruby Lancaster.
Thank you to the nursing staff on Unit 36 in the Special Services of the Foothills Hospital for the compassionate care you gave our Mom.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to her favourite charity the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation at https://www.heartandstroke.ca/how-you-can-help/volunteer/join-us/alberta.
A Memorial Service for Merle will be arranged a later date.
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