Meralynne Margaret Gammon

Shortly after a Thanksgiving filled with family, she was tragically diagnosed with AML, an aggressive form of blood cancer. Within days, she suffered many complications related to this. Her care at the QE2 Health Sciences Center from the ICU, Hematology/Oncology and Palliative care teams was exemplary and at times miraculous. We are indebted for their expertise and compassion. She ultimately passed away peacefully surrounded by her husband and sons.

She is survived by her husband, Gregory Gammon. They met on a school exchange at the age of 17 in Flin Flon, Manitoba. Soon thereafter, Meralynne would send Greg a wax embossed envelope, proposing they meet again. She made the pilgrimage to Greg’s home in Country Harbour, Nova Scotia to meet his friends and family that summer. Meralynne was an aspiring practitioner of Judo and while on a hike together, she exclaimed to Greg that she could “probably flip him”. Suddenly, he was on his back, having fallen “head over heels” for the woman who would be his bride. They celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary this year, after more than 56 incredible years together.

Meralynne completed her Bachelor of Arts (Dean’s List) at the University of Toronto and Teacher’s College at OISE. She spent the majority of her career teaching at the Dartmouth Career College. Meralynne taught a variety of subjects including Accounting, WordPerfect and, much to the chagrin of her family, Pittman Shorthand. She was well known to have important dates and reminders recorded in cryptic hieroglyphs that only she could interpret.

She was selfless in so many ways and conveyed her love through food. Cooking was her passion. Her lasagna creation, with handmade noodles laid to dry carefully over chairs, was a thrilling scene in the kitchen. Many will remember this dish and others with fondness. Meralynne was a long-time subscriber to Canadian Living and cultivated a robust and curated collection of recipes. Her family was grateful to be her test kitchen. Greg and Meralynne built their Maple Syrup cabin together by hand at the family blueberry farm in Argyle, Nova Scotia. Many signature dishes were adorned with hand-picked blueberries or homemade maple syrup and blended with Meralynne’s zest for gastronomy.

Meralynne was so much to so many, but above all else, she was a devoted and loving mother to Ryan (Rupali, Seattle) and Braden (Jessica, Ottawa). She loved her sons with the kind of completeness that makes a child believe they can grow up to do anything. So many of their successes can be traced directly back to the solid foundation that she and their father Greg built. Affectionately referring to her boys as her “sonshines”, Meralynne was present in every aspect of their lives. She took an enthusiastic interest in their successful careers in software development and medicine. For every ounce of pride that she held for

her sons, they carry equal pride, love and gratitude for her. Her boys will miss her always, but they also know that their lives are forever better because she was their mother.

She adored her daughters-in-law and spoke proudly of their accomplishments. Meralynne flourished as a grandmother. Her love of Liam, Kai and Isla, her three grandchildren, was pure and unconditional. They were a standing item of discussion for any visitor or game with her Bridge Club. This love was also shared with grandpuppies Kirby, Lucy and Toby. Grandma relished every visit, phone call and WhatsApp update, gradually wallpapering her home with pictures of family.

Meralynne was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and the foundation of our family. She thought only of others and was our guiding light. Her loss has been devastating. As per her wishes, no funeral will be held. Friends and family are encouraged to leave a picture or memory in the comments.

May she rest in peace and live on forever in our hearts.