Charlotte Beatrice Merriman

Passed away with her daughter by her side on Sunday May 22, 2016 at the General Hospital. Beloved and cherished daughter of Edward Hill and Sarah Hill (Oliver). Predeceased by son Mark, sisters Margaret and Sadie and brothers Eddie, Sam, Moses and Robbie. Survived by daughter Elizabeth, brother George and husband Brendan (Joseph) and many nieces and nephews in Ireland and England, that she enjoyed spoiling on her many trips back home. Charlotte was born in Ireland. Trained to be a nurse in England and at Chedoke in Hamilton where she lived at the nurse’s residence. She was Director of Nursing in Manitouwadge, Northern Ontario at the age of 27, worked as a RN and Nursing Supervisor at Macassa Lodge and was a clinical preceptor in the Nursing Programme at McMaster University in ’92-’94 where she is remembered for her “sense of caring”. Her approach to nursing was one of warmth, patience and compassion. In the week before suffering a severe stroke on April 14th, 2011 Charlotte had a typical active week. She visited two sick friends at the Juravinski/Henderson Hospital, travelled to Niagara-on-the-Lake for an Orpheus Choir dinner celebration, attended a Good Shepherd event at Carmen’s Banquet Hall, volunteered at the YWCA on MacNab, met friends for a coffee and went for a long walk down the mountain, along Aberdeen, down Locke Street and over to Jackson Square where she took the bus home. Charlotte lived every day to the fullest, never wasting a single moment to boredom or apathy, an eternal optimist no matter what life confronted her with. In life, Charlotte’s soft-spoken voice, lighthearted sense of humour, warm friendly personality and authentic smile brightened up the world around her. She was a loyal and loving friend to many, always putting others first. She remembered special days with a card, letter or phone call, offered support, a kind word, a helping hand, encouragement and a shoulder to lean on. Thanks to the General Hospital Stroke Rehab, especially Mike, for all the encouraging help you gave to my mom in Oct. and Nov. 2011, to Maurice Merriman for all of your support over the last 5 years and to Brother Terence for the beautiful prayers you provided at my mom’s service. Charlotte will be laid to rest in Ireland, as requested, near her mother Sarah. Rest in peace dear mom, you are now free of pain and suffering. I miss you so much already but I can see you on the path ahead of me, like a guiding light. I will follow your example on that path, until we can see each other again. Love always, your daughter Elizabeth.