Obituary of Mary Louise Merikle
May 17, 1940 - April 24, 2022
It is with great sadness we announce that Mary Merikle passed away unexpectedly but peacefully, after a brief illness, surrounded by family, on Sunday April 24th.
Mary was predeceased by her parents Ralph and Analee Karr. She was the loving mother of daughter Elizabeth (Alfonso) and son John (Anne), and the loving and proud grandmother of Kate and Joe. She is also survived by her dear brothers Tom (Judy) and Randy (Pat), and her nieces Leigh Ann, Kristen (Daniel) and Michele (Kevin), and nephew Doug (Jocelyne), along with grand-niece Claye and grand-nephew Colton. As well, Mary is survived by her dear cousin Lynda and her family. Mary was extremely close to her two brothers and their families; they may have been separated by miles but she kept them close to her heart.
Mary was born on May 17th 1940, in Clinton, Illinois but called Waterloo home for over 50 years. Mary started her teaching career in the States and then later she taught in Waterloo, eventually ending up at the writing clinic at the University of Waterloo. As well, she was the editor of the New Quarterly. She was also the much-appreciated editor of Anne’s many report cards, as well as Claye and Colton’s collegiate and post-grad papers, and neighbour Lucas’s papers.
Mary’s love of children and her teaching background made her a natural in Anne’s kindergarten classroom, where she was an enthusiastic and much-loved volunteer. Mary loved spending time with her dear friends whether chatting over a glass of wine or discussing a recent book; Mary was indeed a voracious reader! She was a wonderful mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and friend, and she loved us all unconditionally. Mary will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Special thanks to the caring staff at St. Mary’s hospital and to her friends who brought her home-cooked meals and take-out food.
As per Mary’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral. At the family’s request, to attend the visitation for Mary, personal face coverings are required. There will be a visitation at Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Sunday, May 1, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. A private celebration of life will be held in the near future.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Diabetes Canada or a charity of your choice and can be arranged through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.