Miriam Catherine Merritt

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Miriam Catherine Merritt (nee McKinley) in Vancouver on February 4, 2021. Miriam was a true reflection of Christ’s light, an inspiration to all. She made a commitment to Christ early in life and remained faithful to Him, continually choosing to place her life in His hands. We are confident Mom remains, in His hands.

Miriam was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on February 10, 1930 to Salvation Army Officers, Stanley and Nellie McKinley. She spent her childhood in Western Canada, where she met and married William Alexander Merritt, the “love of her life”. Shortly after they married, they moved to Toronto where their three daughters, Nancy, Judy and Catherine were born.

In 1962 Miriam and Bill entered into full-time ministry in the Salvation Army where they served as pastors and Public Relations officers for thirty-three years in various appointments across Canada, from Halifax to Victoria. In retirement Miriam and Bill continued to invest their lives in serving God and sharing His love with others.

Miriam was a woman of exceptional talents and abilities. While she excelled as a homemaker, speaker and pastoral counsellor, it was her positive, warm, loving, selfless and engaging personality that set her apart.

Predeceased by Bill (2013), Miriam will be greatly missed by her family: sister Nettie McBride (Gordon); children – Nancy Michel (David), Judy Touzeau (Ken), Catherine Rawlins (Ian); grandchildren – Chris Michel (Char), Greg Michel (Jessy), Jonny Michel (Sarah), Diana Ayres (Ryan), Mark Touzeau (Jill), Michael Touzeau, Julia Dawe (David), John Rawlins, Robert Rawlins, & Madeline Rawlins; and great-grandchildren – Jack, Nathan, Lily, Oliver, Henry, Judah, Sammy, Lukie, Nixon, Madeline, Benjamin, Myelle, Nathan, Charlotte and Rosie.

Mom’s celebration of Remembrance service will be live streamed on Friday, February 12th at 1:00pm from Cariboo Hill Salvation Army Temple.