Obituary of Barbara Merriman
Mom passed away peacefully at Bay Ridges LTC in Pickering. A place she called home for the last 4 years. We cannot thank the entire staff enough for their loving, compassionate and continuous care. At times she could prove to be a challenge, all was taken in stride and dealt with in a loving manner. All the staff knew Barbara, liked her and cared for her dearly.
Mom graduated from Malvern Collegiate and started working at Bell. She became a young mother at 19 and had 4 pre-schoolers by the time she was 24. Something unheard of today but that was the 50’s. While Dad worked two jobs she raised 5 children, something she was very proud of and would share whenever asked what she did for a living.
Mom worked a couple of parttime jobs while at home. She worked at the Post Office during the Christmas rush sorting mail and typed boxes and boxes of addresses on envelopes. As the children got older and attended school, she took a job at the Bank of Montreal at the corner of Beech and Queen as a teller before starting to work for the Ontario Jockey Club at the old Woodbine Race Course.
At first, she was a hand stamper at the entrance, moved to receptionist and then took reservations for the dining room. Woodbine became Greenwood Race Way and then was taken down to make way for Condos which is when she retired. She had a strong work ethic which was acknowledged after 28 years with the Jockey Club. Mom loved going to the racetrack once a year to bet $2.00 on the “Queens Plate” race. She was thrilled with her signed picture of Sandy Hawley as a young jockey (which we still have) and to meet Northern Dancer. The first Canadian horse to win the Kentucky Derby.
Mom had a passion for 5 pin bowling. She could be found on Thursday nights participating in leagues at the bowling alley at Coxwell and Gerrard. Later she found a passion for quilting and made several beautiful quilts for her children and young grandchildren. She absolutely loved playing euchre. Mom I am absolutely sure Aunty Marlene saved a seat at the table for you and are playing euchre right now.
You and Dad brought so many of your wonderful friends into our lives. Marlene and Vince, Grace and Glynn, Bev and Bill, Pearl and Ken, Donna and Bill to name a few. Many of their children are our good friends today. We remember watching Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday night at any one of their homes playing in our PJ’s while the adults played euchre and enjoyed a few beers.
Mom loved to swim at the cottage on Horseshoe Lake and entertain friends. Cottage life took on a new perspective during August 1st long weekends as your friends gathered together. There were card games, food, cottage chores to be tackled, lots of laughs and the annual ‘Muckers’ tournament.
Your marriage to Dad for 67 years was a love story. Dad took his sense of responsibility seriously and to kept you safe as your dementia progressed. Never sure why you called each other Mom and Dad but it worked. On your 60th wedding anniversary you wrote: “Who would have thought it? We have had a good life, great kids, lots of laughs and good friends, what more do we need? Lets’ hope we stay in good working order.” They did as a married couple for 7 more years.
Your wonderful sense of humour stayed with you until last we spoke. You would grin if it struck you funny. I have files of jokes you have saved over the years to share.
Mom you were a fighter. You had 3 different cancers and 2 of them twice. You went through chemo and radiation treatments. You had emphysema and dementia. You beat Covid twice and still carried on. At one point we thought you were ‘immortal’. You could be wilful and at times stubborn. If you had an idea how something should be or wanted to do something you were like a dog with bone and there was no changing your mind. I do believe Ella one of your great-grandchildren shares that trait with you.
Your love for your children, Lynn, Alan, Paula, Wayne and Tom, your grandchildren Reg, Robyn, Kyle, Lana, Graeme, K.J., Geoff, Evan, Jordan, Mackenzie, Carson and Conner and great grandchildren Cameron, Griffin, Ellison (Ellie), Ava, McKenna, Elizabeth (Ella), Liam, Kinsley and Collins was felt by all.
Mom we are all so sad but want you to know that we are happy that you have been reunited with Dad and will miss you. Words can’t always say what the heart wishes it could.
Love you mom.
Lynn, Alan, Paula, Wayne and Tom
We invite you to share a memory, photo or sentiment of Barbara's life here at her memorial legacy page.
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