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MERRANDA Obituary pic MERRANDA Obituary pic

MERRANDA

Born: Dec 29, 1989

Date of Passing: Oct 24, 2005

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MERRANDA ABAS December 29, 1989 - October 24, 2005 Merranda, the eldest daughter of David and Houda Abas, and sister to Jenna (Shjennah), and Zoey, quietly passed away on Monday, October 24, 2005 at Children's Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care Unit with her Father, Mother and family by her side, and, with her expansive extended family, relatives and friends bidding her farewell amidst prayers read by Elders of the Islamic Community. Merranda was larger than life since birth. Remarkably, she was innately inclined to be at her father's side since early childhood - forever with him, forever the sunshine in his life. Her love and respect for her father was the centre of her universe, for Merranda that respect and love was genuinely felt for all people young to old and this distinguished her well beyond her years. She was indeed a vibrant part of community life in every way - with her peers, school events, sports, neighbours, babysitting. She worked along side her father and the staff of both Abas Esso and Abas Auto - Kristi, Lindsay, Brody, Teresa, Lori, Mark, Jen S., Jen D., Lorna, Russell, Kevin, Gary, Jason, Justin, Chad, Kerry, Colin, Shawn, Corey, Jamie, Jaymie and Liam. Memorably, when complimented on her wonderful and unique demeanour, Merranda would often state "I am everything I am because of my father". Respecting her older sister, Jenna found definite happiness in sharing the many happenings of every day life - their days and nights were filled with laughter and at times sisterly disputes that were actually fun for both. Ultimately, Jenna and Merranda had a wonderful relationship since childhood that will endure across the lifespan and beyond. Even at such a young age, Zoey too will remember Merranda’s unending affection and guidance - Merranda was protective of Zoey, and of all. Merranda's love for her family was so unique, she was always caring, always relevant, always meaningful and perceptive with insight and with dignity - a natural diplomat with a Team Abas-Team Humanity spirit in her thoughts and deeds. Her distinct love for her mother and father as a family unit within the large extended family, and community, was vibrantly palpable daily - there were no half-measures for Merranda. As a teenager, Merranda also loved shopping and going to movies with her Aunts, cousins and friends. Spending hours with Sitie Hajar Abas laughing and receiving words of wisdom were Merranda’s daily highlight. Merranda will be profoundly missed by her aunts and uncles - Ann Haney, Ferial (Dave Nixon), Keith (Camie), Nancy Abbas, Earl (Sherry), Karen Abas, Boyd (Ghalia), Murray (Achwaq), Murvin (Hiam), Karen (Wayne Sinclair), Dianne (Bill Ammeter), Dale (Mona), Walid (Salwa), Marwin (Mariam), Leila (Adel), Najah (Abdullah), Khaled (Helen), Sonora (Moustafa), Maen (Makbule), Mouhammed (Hanan). Merranda will forever be in the hearts of her cousins Ryan, Neil, Chris, Adam, Tyler, Travis, Tamara, Amanda, Tyrone, Belal, Layal, Mohammed, Siba, Yusuf, Joey, Nadia, Najla, Hajar, Mona, Jamal, Mohammad, Malak, Rema, Abraham, Tiana, Alyssa, Brent, Hannah, Erica, Mona Lisa, Sammy, Sumiya, Sarah, Macy and Gracie, Nahida, Khaled, Omar, Wafae, Ali, Heind, Adib, Mohammed, Tarek, Zias, Mohammed, Dolsina, Daniel, Sonao, Jenin, Yusuf, Khalil, Iman, Randa, Hanadi, Laten, Nour, Hamed, Smar, Oubyda. Friends of Merranda are many and they truly span across age groups - beginning with her childhood friends and schoolmates who have grown with Merranda from primary school at Stony Mountain to Stonewall High Grade 11 through to members of the RCMP Stonewall Detachment, the staff, the teachers and the customers of Abas Esso and Abas Auto. Merranda was genuinely interested in the well-being and life of others and all others were equally enamored with her. Her many interests in life included playing on the Stony Mountain Girl’s Hockey Team - the Championship in The Pas was only one of many memorable times of Merranda’s life, which also included playing baseball on the Abas Auto-Adesa Team, and the annual Goose Shoots in Stony Mountain and Stonewall. Houda, Merranda’s mother, nurtured in Merranda an active love and respect for her cultural background. Houda travelled to Lebanon with Merranda, Jenna and Zoey several times, the most recent being in July - August 2005. While in Lebanon, Merranda gained the profound admiration of the elders of her extended family and scores of friendships with her peers. Sitie Ghalie Hajar never failed to greet Merranda with her favourite dish, Lebanese french fries. Prayers were and are being held for Merranda at the Mosque in Kherbet Rouha, Lebanon. Merranda was true to her belief in Allah and adherence to Islam. She revered the Holy Month of Ramadan and had welcomed fasting during the present Holy Month of Ramadan. Merranda's passing at this holy time was one of spiritual convergence. David and Houda, and the extended family, are indeed grateful to the many medical staff who intervened to provide Merranda every chance for survival. The family wishes to thank the medical staff of Stonewall Hospital for emergency treatment of Merrranda on the evening her care began on Wednesday, October 12, 2005. They include Dr. Kanji, Kelti, Linda, Fabio, Jeff, Mel and Bev. We wish to thank the HSC Chaplain Daley De Gagne who provided comfort that was so appreciated by Merranda’s mother Houda during the initial hours of Merranda’s critical care and the churches of different faiths, businesses and all people from all directions for their support, hope and prayers. Unequivocally, the Health Sciences Centre Children’s Hospital Emergency and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit medical staff, Neuro-Surgeon Dr. Barrington, Intensive Care Dr. Kesselman, Dr. Drews and Residents provided exemplary care and interventions that speaks of doing God’s work. The PICU nursing staff are commended for their exceptional genuine caring and bedside manner toward Merranda and her expansive family. Dr. Murve’s observant care and interventions as Merranda’s lifelong pediatrician completes the family’s appreciation for the care and attention provided to Merranda. Equally, David and Houda also thank the scores of friends and relatives who over the past 13 days and nights travelled to the Children’s Hospital in support of Merranda and in hope for her recovery. Special thanks to Cliff Lechow, Larry and Caroline Finnson, Greg and Lana Maidment. Very special thanks go to Vice Principal Marg Ward, students and staff of Stonewall Collegiate and to the Interlake School Division. Merranda is predeceased by her paternal Grandfather Joseph Abas (2005). Funeral service will be held at the Stonewall Collegiate at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 27, 2005. Interment will be at Lily Field Cemetery (2 miles West of Abas Esso) followed by a remembrance luncheon at Bel Acres Country Club across from Lily Field. Pallbearers will include all paternal and maternal Uncles and Merranda’s father David Abas. Do Not Stand At My Grave and Weep Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there, I did not die. In lieu of flowers send donations to the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 27, 2005

Condolences & Memories (34 entries)

  • Dear Dave, Houda and girls, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless - Posted by: Grant, Treena and Tara McPherson (Friend) on: Oct 31, 2005

  • Dear David, We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter.It had to be so heartbreaking for you and your wife.Our prayers go out to you and yours. Bless You's all. Gloria Salty and family - Posted by: Gloria and Lloyd Neault (Family) on: Oct 29, 2005

  • Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time. We can only imagine the terrible loss. -Carol, Brian, Chai, and Robert - Posted by: Webber family (Acquaintance) on: Oct 29, 2005

  • hello!!! i just want to say that she was a really nice person with me and she helped me in lots of things, im really gonna miss her!!! i loved her !! merranda u will be in my heart !!! love ya girl!!! - Posted by: lorena franco (Friend) on: Oct 29, 2005

  • Dear Abas's I am very soory for your loss. Even thought i only talked to Merranda a few times she was a very good person and really cared about her friend and family i wish i got to know her better. Lots of people knew and loved her and i wish u all the best and you are in my thought and prayers - Posted by: Sarah (Acquaintance) on: Oct 28, 2005

  • So sorry to hear of your tragic loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you,sorry we could not be there for you. - Posted by: Ron & Elaine Murray (Friend) on: Oct 28, 2005

  • David, Houda, and family, My deepest sympathy to you and your family, on the loss of your beautiful daughter Merranda. We will all miss her kind demeaner and beautiful smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. With sympathy and love, Joanne Bouchard - Posted by: Joanne Bouchard (Acquaintance) on: Oct 28, 2005

  • To Camie, Keith, and Family: Michelle, Birdena, Helen, Allan and I were shocked and surprised to hear about the tragic passing of Merranda Abas. Please accept this tribute as our way of sending our sympathy to your family at this time. So sorry to hear about the passing of Merranda. Helen, Allan, Birdena, Michelle, Rick. - Posted by: Rick Lawrence (Family) on: Oct 28, 2005

  • David, Houda and girls, So very sorry for the loss of Merranda. She was a very special person who will be greatly missed by all of us. Take care... Lorna, Fawn, Tessa & Cheri - Posted by: Lorna Richard (Friend) on: Oct 28, 2005

  • Dave Houda, family it is with heavy hearts we send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Ed and I will always remember the beautiful young lady Merranda turned out to be with all best tributes instilled in her you sure did a wonderful job at raising her she will never be forgotten....from our family to yours our prayers and thought remain with you all ED AND VIOLET PARISIEN - Posted by: Edward and Violet Parisien (Friend) on: Oct 28, 2005

  • Dave and Houda, what words can be said at this time, but we will remember how Miranada would have her small hand in the penny candy when you would outside filling our truck when we first moved to Stony Mountain 13 years ago and watched the beautiful girl she grew up to be thats what we will always remember take care of yourselves .....love from our family to yours ED AND VIOLET PARISIEN - Posted by: ED AND VIOLET PARISIEN (Friend) on: Oct 27, 2005

  • David, Houda and family, My deepest sympathy during the loss of your beautiful and amazing daughter Merranda. I could see the passion for life and the love of people in her eyes. Although I did not know her very well my heart goes out to you all. I hope knowing your friends and family supporting you help with the healing. Your lives must have been so enriched to have such a sensitive child, and mature beyond her years. I will be thinking of you during your time of sorrow. Love, Brenda Fulsher (92 CITI FM) - Posted by: Brenda Fulsher (Friend) on: Oct 27, 2005

  • We were saddened to hear of your tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We hope that sharing of your sorrow will help comfort you. We know that fond thoughts of your daughter will keep her near. - Posted by: Ken, Marianne and Julie Staub (Acquaintance) on: Oct 27, 2005

  • Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and always. Heaven is a better place now that your angel is there. - Posted by: Ray & Kim Lavallee (Acquaintance) on: Oct 27, 2005

  • Our thoughts are truly with you during this most difficult time. We know what you are going through, having lost our son Robbie tragically in January. This is a devastating and life changing event. Do not hesitate to burden your family and friends for their support for now is the time you need it the most. We extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. - Posted by: Dave, Judy & Darrell Johnson (Acquaintance) on: Oct 27, 2005

  • We wish to express our deepest sympathy to the Abas family for the loss of your loving daughter. - Posted by: Jim/ Joanne Fredericks (Acquaintance) on: Oct 27, 2005

  • We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Love: Gerry, Phyllis, Kristen & Keri Bouchard - Posted by: Gerry & Phyllis Bouchard (Friend) on: Oct 27, 2005

  • Dave, Houda, Jenna and Zoey, Our deepest sympathies are with all of you. I will always remember her smiling face and her willingness to help. Looking through pictures, talking to friends, and memories will give you strength. - Posted by: Sheila Bakkum & Family (Acquaintance) on: Oct 27, 2005

  • Our thoughts are with you during your grief. Sincerely, Oatway Farms & families - Posted by: Kent & Luciel Oatway - Oatway Farms Ltd (Acquaintance) on: Oct 27, 2005

  • Our thoughts and prayers are with David and his family on the passing of Merranda. "HE ONLY TAKES THE BEST" - Posted by: Carel & Jennifer Reesink (Acquaintance) on: Oct 27, 2005

  • Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad and difficult time. May your faith, family and friends help to keep you strong. - Posted by: Gary, Heather & Camryn Dewar (Friend) on: Oct 27, 2005

  • Dave and family, Our condolences to you and your family on your sudden loss. Your family is in our prayers. Love from your friends In Peguis - Posted by: Lynda,Heather Stevenson & Sisters (Friend) on: Oct 27, 2005

  • Dearest Dave and Houda and family, We are so sorry to hear about Merranda. She is a wonderful girl who knew how to live every minute you have to the fullest. She will never truly be gone as every memory anyone has she will be there with them. As she stands beside you two Dave and Houda she will help you through this hard journey. Remember Merranda is bigger than life and death cannot stop her as I know that smiling girl will be making big things happen upstairs. God Bless all of you! - Posted by: Kevin , Ali , Conner & Dru Appleyard (Friend) on: Oct 27, 2005

  • Our deepest condolences to you and your family at this most sorrowful time. May the memories of Merranda bring you comfort at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Lorna (Klus) and Gord Morrison (Friend) on: Oct 26, 2005

  • Dear David, Houda, Jenna, Zoey and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time and always. - Posted by: The Vogel Family (Friend) on: Oct 26, 2005

  • We were all very saddened by the news of Merranda. Allow us to extend our deepest condolences. Our prayers are with you and your family. - Posted by: Barry, Lori and Dallas Smith (Acquaintance) on: Oct 26, 2005

  • Merranda will forever be remembered as the wonderful person she was, and the entire Abas Family has our deepest and most sincere condolences. - Posted by: The Kehler Family (Friend) on: Oct 26, 2005

  • My daughter Roberta was in some of Merranda's classes - my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I can only imagine the loss you are feeling. - Posted by: Lorna Baker (Acquaintance) on: Oct 26, 2005

  • Our thoughts and sincerest prayers are with you both and your entire family. - Posted by: Schenkers (Friend) on: Oct 26, 2005

  • Our thoughts and sincerest prayers are with you both and your entire family. - Posted by: Schenkers (Friend) on: Oct 26, 2005

  • Dear David, Houda & family, Your loss is shared by many friends who care and you're in our thoughts and hearts. May the love of friends and family be a source of comfort to you at this time. Sincerely, The Slater and Thomas families - Posted by: Slater Family (Friend) on: Oct 26, 2005

  • Dear David, Houda, Jenna and Zoey (and all extended family), It is with extremely heavy hearts that Luke and I send our condolence. A life lost so young is nothing other than tragic. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always. Most sincerely, Cathy Nevakshonoff-Benoit and Luke Benoit - Posted by: Cathy Nevakshonoff-Benoit & Luke Benoit (Friend) on: Oct 26, 2005

  • For Dave and Houda Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the girls. - Posted by: Faron and Rhonda Traverse (Friend) on: Oct 26, 2005

  • Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. God Bless - Posted by: Shymko Family (Acquaintance) on: Oct 26, 2005

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