Merrilee Margaret Loewen

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MERRILEE MARGARET LOEWEN
May 8, 1964 – August 15, 2016

Merrilee Margaret Loewen, 52, passed away suddenly at her home in Ottawa on August 15, 2016. Merrilee was born May 8, 1964 at the Morris General Hospital, Morris, MB, to Lorne and Arlene Loewen, the youngest of three children. Merrilee and her family moved from Rosenort to Winnipeg in the summer of 1971. Merrilee attended Victor Major and Darwin Schools for her elementary education, graduating from Grade 12 at Dakota Collegiate. During these years Merrilee participated in numerous sports, during summer vacation she attended Red Rock Bible Camp firstly as a camper, then a junior counsellor, counsellor and Water Front Director.

Following high school, she attended one semester at Capenray Bible College in Austria.

She took her Registered Nursing training at Misercordia School of Nursing where she graduated as class Valedictorian. Following her marriage to Kenneth Kehler, they moved to Ottawa. Merrilee continued working as a critical care nurse at the Ottawa Civic Hospital, followed by a rewarding career as Research Consultant for Pharmaceutical companies which took her to many parts of the world.

While growing up, Merrilee attended the Braeside Evangelical Church, where she was baptized upon confession of her faith and became a member. During these years Merrilee attended Sunday School, Young People's Group, participated in many church camps, loved to sing and was an active member.

After Merrilee had lived in Ottawa for several years, she purchased a home, later adding a Baby Grand Piano that she enjoyed playing for relaxation. Merrilee loved dogs. Her first one was a miniature Poodle, Oliver, followed by Bogart, Tessa Mae and Winston. Merrilee had an adept ability to train these dogs. Merrilee loved to travel, especially to Italy. She was an exceptional cook. She loved their summer cottage and the water.

In the spring of 2016, Merrilee was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis, which she fought valiantly; it was not to be.

Left to mourn Merrilee's passing are her spouse Karl of six years, his children, son Bradley (Cass), daughter Emily and step son James. Also mourning her loss are her mother, Arlene Loewen, sister Bonnie-Anne (Mark), Kyra, Isaac, Jacob and Ajah. Her brother Alex (Bev), Brock (Robin), Thalin (Kenton), and many relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her loving father, Lorne, in December 2013.

Our family expresses deep appreciation for her circle of loyal friends in Ottawa.

Thank you also to Birchwood Funeral Chapel of Steinbach for taking care of the Memorial Service and serving lunch.

The Memorial Service was held on Sunday, August 21, 2016 at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB., with ash interment on August 22, 2016, in her loving father's grave at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, MB.

Arrangements by
BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL
1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in The Carillon on Sep 09, 2016