After a meaningful and courageous life Merle died peacefully on May 5th surrounded by loving family and close friend.
Merle was born in Trail, BC on Nov. 30, 1948 and grew up in Coquitlam where she loved the freedom of the outdoors, running and playing. She was a thoughtful, inquisitive and intelligent person with a delightful sense of humour. She was a strong student graduating from Como Lake High School, then SFU with a BA in sociology and psychology and went on to UBC to receive her Masters in Social Work.
Merle was faced with overwhelming obstacles in her life stemming from two major life-changing injuries. Yet, despite her injuries she lived an extremely productive life, contributing enormously to her community and society in general. Her life revolved around service to others. She was a dedicated to her job as a social worker for the Ministry of Children and Family Development. She was also a passionate volunteer for a multitude of agencies involved in the disability community. Merle was a powerful advocate for herself and all those with disabilities and was an expert on accessibility and building codes related to accessibility.
Merle loved many kinds of music and was a board member of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival for many years and worked hard to ensure the festival was fully accessible.
One of her greatest joys was her family who she loved dearly. Left behind to mourn are her brother Lorne ( Debbie), sister Glenda, niece Sherri (Greg) and nephew, Forrest (Emily) and friends. Merle was pre-deceased by her loving mother and tireless supporter, Grace Smith in 2007.
That Merle was a trailblazer in the world of disability and accessibility is undeniable. She was fiercely independent with a strong will to live. She fought for what she believed in and had a strong sense of fairness and justice. Merle was a role model and an inspiration. She was a kind and generous leader and a seeker of knowledge. She will be dearly missed.
The family would like to thank those who helped in the last few years of her life when she needed more physical assistance.
A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, June 22nd at 1 pm at Burkeview Chapel, 1340 Dominion Ave., Port Coquitlam.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Merle’s honour to Disability Alliance BC or Spinal Cord Injury BC.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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