Merle (Meryln) Philomena Domingo

Merle passed away the same way she lived; with grace, dignity, gentleness and peace. Daughter of Alice and Liguory Monteiro, predeceased by beloved husband Adrian and dear son, Ravi. Survived by her children Nimi (Paul Bowman), Prem (Claudia), Leela, Vijay (Suzanne) and grandchildren Maia, Jarod, Gloria, Jadon, Anu and Adrianna. Much loved wife, mother, sister, aunt, neighbour and friend.

If a movie were to be made of Merle’s life, it would be titled, “A Gracious Life.” All who met her were moved by her warmth, kindness, thoughtfulness, joy, love, humour, wisdom and peace. Above all else, she trusted in God and lived every day of her life with gratitude and appreciation. Her favourite song was” Count Your Many Blessings.”

Merle’s life took her from a small town in south India to Mumbai where she met her husband Adrian. Immediately, she joined him in Ethiopia where he was teaching and from there they moved to London, England and then to the tiny northern Alberta hamlet of Guy. After a few years in Guy, they and their growing family settled in Drumheller where her husband taught at the high school. A few years after Adrian’s retirement they moved to Calgary to be with their grandchildren. Merle was a devoted mother and beloved Nana – the grandkids could always count on a tin of home-baked cookies when they arrived at Nana and Papa’s.

Adrian passed away in 2005 and Merle was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a few years later. In 2009 she moved to Kingston to live with her daughter and son-in-law. After arriving in Kingston, Merle naturally made many new friends and became a cherished part of her neighbourhood. For seven years she participated in the Hildegarde Centre Day Program at Providence Manor where she was loved by staff, volunteers and other clients. As her condition advanced, she continued to live in a way that inspired those who met her. One of her great pearls of wisdom during this time was, “Life has stages, and if you’re friendly with the stages, it hurts less.”

Merle became a resident of Providence Manor in 2016 and continued to attract people to her. She continued to make friends and impact others. Merle was a kind and compassionate soul who gave others a sense of comfort. Even in the last few months of her life, other residents enjoyed sitting in her company, holding her hand and being in her peaceful and radiant presence.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to all at Providence Manor who cared for Merle in her final years – staff (especially M3), volunteers and residents.

A Funeral Mass was Celebrated at Our Mother of Sorrows Chapel in Providence Manor, Kingston, ON, Tuesday, Jan 28, 2020.

A Prayer Service and Visitation will be held at Foster’s Garden Chapel, 3220 4th St NW, Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Monday, February 10, 2020 at 10:00 am. Interment to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery.

Donations in Merle’s memory to the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation 55 Rideau Street, Suite 4 Kingston, ON K7K 2Z8 attention: Hildegarde Day Program would be appreciated by the family.