Tribute

“Life is short – Eat the Perogies”

Early Tuesday March 8th, in Powell River, B.C., Merlene passed away peacefully just shy of her 93rd birthday. Born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan she was part of a large family of 5 brothers and 2 sisters. In June of 1960, her and Jack Netterfield had their first date, and wed 3 months later. They then had 3 daughters, Cheryl, Valerie, and Robyn.
Her greatest joys in life were her 2 granddaughters, Marin, and Noella and was thrilled to recently meet her great-granddaughter Autumn, daughter of Marin and husband Daniel Choi of
Vancouver.

Merlene also lived in Atikokan, Ontario, and Winnipeg, and spent her last few seasons in Powell River B.C. Throughout her years working starting at a young age at her parents’ store, she had many other jobs, including her final position – working homecare in Winnipeg until the young age of 82. Throughout her life Merlene was athletically active, enjoying skiing, curling, and golfing. Her list of achievements are many, but winning the Canadian Ladies Open championship in 1983 was her biggest accomplishment. Merlene was also a provincial member of multiple team championships, and when asked, she lost count after “7 – hole in ones”. This along with the national team championship in 1962 led her to be inducted into the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame twice.

Merlene made long lasting friendships far and wide, her best friend Ina Dyragrove met at the Puffin Ski Club in their late teens. The two travelled, giggled, and even shared a beautiful cabin at Holiday Mountain for decades until Ina passed in the late 2000’s. Merlene and Ina were part of “ THE KNITTING CLUB”, once a month the ladies got together for dining, wine and laughter……without a knitting needle in sight.

Merlene kept her hands busy, being extraordinary at petty point, needle point, cooking, ceramics, professional bargain shopping, and she loved to play in her garden with her rhubarb and her marigolds.

She was predeceased by, parents Walter, and Marjorie, husband Jack, sisters, Kay Miller, Verna Robertson, and brothers, Ernie, Lenny, and best friend Ina Dyragrove.

She is survived by brothers Larry, Ron (Verna), Arnie (Shelley), many nieces and nephews. Daughters, Cheryl, Valerie (Kevin), and Robyn, granddaughters, Marin (Daniel), Noella, and great granddaughter, Autumn.

By request, there will be no service. Thank you to the team, and caregivers at Evergreen Extended Care Unit, Powell River.

In lieu of flowers, donations are gratefully accepted to the S.P.C.A., of your choice. Internment will be decided at a later time, where she will be laid to rest beside Jack at Brookside Cemetery in Winnipeg.

Dad has been waiting for you for a very long time Mom ……. sleep sweetly.