MERNA (HYDE)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MERNA (HYDE) McLEOD Merna Maretta McLeod passed away on August 22, 2003 in the Rivers Hospital at the age of 74. She was the middle child of John and Fern Hyde, born in the RM of Silver Creek and attended school in Silverton and Russell, MB. Merna married Wesley McLeod on November 3, 1949. They farmed four and a half miles northeast of Russell. Mernas seven children were the main focus of her life. She was kept busy driving them to and from their many activities. For several years, she was a regular fixture at the hockey rink. Merna will be remembered for her laughter. She could tell a great story and loved a good joke. She enjoyed "coffee with the girls", while drinking a glass of cold water. Besides knitting and cross stitch, Merna was well known for her love of driving and talking on the phone. She was a hard worker who got things done quickly. Merna always made people feel welcome in her home. We will never forget her famous "Brown Sugar Icing" on chocolate cake. She was very proud of her grandchildren and spent many hours entertaining them with stories, games and using their imaginations. For the past five years, Merna resided in the Rivers Personal Care Home where she was an active resident who participated in their regular events and special outings. Merna was predeceased by her parents, John and Fern Hyde; her husband Wesley; her sister Ruth Pickrell; her son Glen; and her two grandsons, Cade and Brance. Although she is gone, she will not be forgotten by her six children, Jean and Richard Wiebe of Headingley, MB; Pete and Sandra of Binscarth, MB; Jock and Sandy of Pincher Creek, AB; Joan and Keb Libsekal of Grande Prairie, AB; Frank and Rhonda of Saskatoon, SK; and Ruth and Doug Betke of Russell; her ten grandchildren, Riley and Cody McLeod, her namesake - Jayla Maretta McLeod; Efrem and Saba Libsekal, Wendy, Josey and Jackson McLeod, Dustin and Courtney Betke; her brother Harvey Hyde of Treherne, MB; and many relatives and friends. Funeral services for the late Merna McLeod were held at the Knox United Church in Russell on Tuesday, August 26. She was laid to rest at the Russell Memorial Gardens carried by her three sons, Pete, Jock and Frank and her three sons-in-law, Richard, Keb and Doug. "Into each life some rain must fall. But there will be sunshine after all."

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 09, 2003