Orma Jane Merkel

It is with much sadness that Orma’s family announces the passing of their beloved Mom, on Saturday, March 28^th, 2020, at the age of 81 with her family by her side. After a battle with mixed dementia and diabetes, Mom is now at peace and will suffer no more.

Orma joins her belated husband Vernon of 43 years. Lovingly cherished and remembered by her children Linda, Robert and daughter-in-law Helaina. She is held in a special place by her two grandsons Ayrton and Trent. Orma is predeceased by her loving parents, Ormond and Thelma Marsh. Orma will be dearly missed and remembered by her extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews and many family friends.

Orma was born in Niagara Falls, and then moved to Parry Sound in her teen years then back to Toronto where she met her husband Vernon and raised her family in Rexdale. Mom loved spending time with her family in cottage-country near the lake and working in her gardens. Gardening became a passion of Mom’s at her cottage and her home in Barrie.

Mom was an active member of the Anglican churches of St. Paul the Apostle, Rexdale and later St. George’s, Allandale in Barrie. During her active years, Mom devoted many hours through choir, church bazaars, ACW, and other areas where she could help.

Mom also had a great love of dogs throughout her lifetime and we are especially grateful for Elizz Paws and their volunteers that visited her and provided her so much joy in her last years in Barrie.

Many thanks to her many caregivers that helped Mom stay at home, until her recent hospitalization and short stay at the BarrieView. Special mentions of thanks go to PSWs Maricon, Rosa, Tamara and Chris for their service.

A celebration of Orma’s life will be planned in the future to allow family and friends to remember her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County, or to the Anglican churches of St. Paul the Apostle, Rexdale, or St. George’s, Allandale, Barrie.