Obituary of Merle Irene Stewart (nee Vaughan)

Born November 12, 1930, Merle grew up in Guelph, and spent her childhood and teens as they did in those days – roasting potatoes in fires for snacks, swimming in the multi-coloured Speed River, playing baseball with friends, dancing and having fun at Barber’s Beach. The stories!

Merle moved to Kitchener in the early ‘50’s and became a medical secretary for the late Dr. Iwan, working for him from the time he graduated to when he retired.  She took great pride in her work and passed that work ethic on to her children and grandchildren. Always ready to get involved, Merle was a very active volunteer at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, belonged to the Red Hats, Probus and the Bridge Club where she played duplicate bridge for years.

With three children, Merle was the “go out and play!”, “be home for supper!” mom and a great cheerleader for all of their activities.  And the greatest tribute: a neighbour said “your mom could tie up a pair of ice skates tighter than anyone else on Boehmer St.!”

But to Merle, best of all were the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Always ready to play games or cheer them on in the arena, on the field, or in the dance studio, she shone when she was with them. And they shone right back.

Our mother/grandmother/great-grandmother passed away on July 9, 2024, and she will be missed. Survived by her daughters (and all three of her favourite sons-in-law!) Lynn (Russell) Forbes, Gayle (Bryan) Loker and Terri (Brian) Whiffin. And grandchildren, the lights of her life:  Russ Forbes, Beckie Forbes, and Leigh Somerville, Stewart and Meghan Loker, and Mike and Nick Whiffin. And the bonus:  Great-grandchildren! Ainslie and Abigail; Jane, Neve and Gwen; Harper and Jaxon; Emerson; Cole, Bella, Ethan and Georgia; and Madden and Scarlet.

Also "Aunt Merle" to 24 nieces and nephews of the Vaughan and Stewart clans, she loved to visit and hear what they were up to.

Predeceased by her parents James and Marie Vaughan and siblings Lois Andrews, Keith Vaughan and Norma Tonegusso.

Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Parkwood Mennonite Home – they truly lived up to their motto “Kindness Lives Here”.

The funeral service will take place at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 54 Queen St. N, Kitchener, on July 20, 2024 at 2 p.m. A reception will take place immediately following. Cremation has taken place, and a private family interment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family and donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Kitchener, may be arranged through Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo, at www.erbgood.com.