Merne Bertelle Bruchet

Treasured by many, our remarkable mother Merne Bruchet (née Cullen) passed away peacefully at North Shore Hospice, with daughters Erin, Colleen, and Liz by her side.

Merne was cared for by her community of loved ones who kept spirits buoyed through a grave period of upheaval in her journey living with cancer. While her wisdom allowed for deep reflection on the mysteries of human suffering, Merne maintained a steadfast determination to ‘do the journey well.’ Her focus was on connection, relationship, gratitude and humour. She sought to find small pleasures and meaningful moments. Her impish ‘gallows humour’ grew ever stronger. In the end, she seemed humbly astounded, remarking that the Hallmark cards were right all along: it is simply all about love.

Merne was a helper and a healer, a woman who strove to meet her family and friends where they were at. One of her special gifts was to help those she loved get ‘unstuck’: she did this through supportive conversations over coffee, wine or a walk; through decorating and DIY projects, in lending a hand with a de-clutter plan or a furniture re-arrange; and even in time spent over a crossword or jigsaw puzzle. Later in life, she developed a passion for creating quirky, customized felt cards to send to loved ones, which often arrived unexpectedly, but exactly when needed. Her frequent travel focused on nurturing relationships with her daughters, grandchildren and friends, fostering laughter, play and silliness wherever she landed.

Merne is survived by her three daughters Erin, Colleen and Liz, and her adored grandchildren (Teagan, Riley, Beatrice, Henry, and Charlie), younger brother Murray (Brenda), husband Melvin, and her many dear friends. The eldest of Robert Cullen (Bob) and Betty Parkin’s two children, Merne was raised in Kamloops. She moved to Vancouver to attend UBC (Rehab Medicine) where she met Mel Bruchet with whom she would eventually raise her family in North Vancouver. Merne worked as a physiotherapist (Peterborough Civic Hospital, BC Arthritis Society, Lions Gate Hospital) for several years. After becoming a mother, she worked in education, supporting children as an Education Assistant at Upper Lynn Elementary School. In her 50s, Merne overcame her initial reservations and courageously pursued a new career -- first a year-long Certificate in Counselling (Vancouver Community College), then a Masters of Education (Counselling Psychology) at UBC. Merne dedicated more than a decade to working in addictions counselling at Raven Song Community Health Centre. Throughout her life she gave time and care to causes close to her heart: Big Sisters, Parent Participation preschool, L’Arche community, ReStore (Habitat for Humanity) and more. Along the way, Merne’s beautiful, disarming, self-reflective, and delightful ways attracted special people and inspired loyal and nurturing long-term friendships.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Marck Hudon and the care providers at BC Cancer, Lions Gate Hospital and North Shore Hospice, in particular the oncology and palliative teams.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to North Shore Hospice or charity of your choice would be appreciated.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday August 16th at 1pm at First Memorial Funeral Services, Boal Chapel, 1505 Lillooet Road, North Vancouver.

The ceremony can be viewed live or on replay at: https://funeraweb.tv/beloved/152355