Merlyn Joy Poulin

Merlyn was born in 1931 in Tobias, Nebraska. After graduating from Kearney State College in Nebraska, her dream was to teach elementary school in all four corners of the United States. After spending a year teaching in Seattle, she relocated to San Diego where she met her husband, Bert. Merlyn taught kindergarten for San Diego City Schools. After 30 years, she retired from teaching while at Curie Elementary School.

Merlyn inherited her mother’s button collection and in her retirement years, she was active in the San Diego Button Club. Merlyn held several board positions with the Button Club, including the role of President. For over 30 years, she collected and traded buttons and enjoyed the friendship of her fellow button enthusiasts.

Merlyn and her husband Bert enjoyed travelling and exploring the world while on summer breaks from teaching. Travel highlights include Hawaii, England, Europe, and an African safari. Family cruises included Alaska, the South Pacific, Japan and Panama Canal.

Merlyn was preceded in death by her parents Lloyd and Laura Motes; brother, Thomas Motes; husband, Berval “Bert” Poulin. She is survived by her daughter Renee Kinman of Fresno, CA, son-in-law Pete Kinman and grandchildren Ariane, Laurel, Garrett, wife Nushaibah Hossain; daughter Gigi Kaney of San Diego, CA, son-in-law Carl Kaney and grandson Ryan; son Baron Poulin of Columbus, OH, daughter-in-law Margaret Poulin, Baron’s stepdaughter Katy Yeauger; sister-in-law Lu Motes; niece Stacy Magedanz, husband Joe Magedanz; and her beloved cat ‘Big Foot’