WILMA MERRITT (INNES)

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WILMA MERRITT (nee INNES) Peacefully on Friday, February 22, 2008 at Concordia Hospital, Wilma passed away after a short illness. She is lovingly remembered by husband Elmer of 60 years; son Glenn, daughter Lorraine Lester (Keith Cameron), daughter Carroll Powney (Doug Perich), son Brian (Maguy); grandchildren Kristie, Sherry and Sean Lester, and Melanie and Luc Livolsi-Merritt; nieces and nephews; and many close friends. Born in December 1923 to William and Annie Innes and a sister to Jean, Wilma spent most of her life in Winnipeg, mainly in the south Fort Rouge area. Following high school, she attended Success Business College and worked in the insurance industry. She met Elmer in 1942, they married in August 1947 and immediately moved to Chicago where Elmer attended trade school and Wilma worked for Standard Oil. They returned to Winnipeg in 1951 just before the birth of their first child. Wilma became a devoted mother, grandmother, homemaker and community worker, dedicating much time and energy to Riverview United Church (now Churchill Park United) where she was a lifelong-member, and to Riverview Community Centre. From an early age, she enjoyed holidays at Grand Beach and Sherwood Lake, a passion that was instrumental in the family decision to build a cottage at Star Lake where she spent almost 50 wonderful summers. Following Elmer's retirement, they enjoyed travel, first on a two-month excursion to the South Pacific, and later spending many winters in Florida and more recently Arizona. Wilma was very proud of her family and celebrating her Diamond Anniversary with family and friends. She actively embraced life and was fully engaged in the world around her. And, even though her world had become smaller in recent years due to age and illness, she remained interested and vital till the end. The family would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to Concordia's ICU staff for their valiant efforts and compassionate care. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Wilma's life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 1 at Churchill Park United Church, 525 Beresford at Nassau. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Concordia Foundation, Churchill Park United Church or a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to: VOYAGE FUNERAL HOME CREMATORIUM 220 Hespeler @ Henderson Hwy 668-3151

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 29, 2008