Peacefully in her sleep at Longfields Manor, in Ottawa, two months before her 90th birthday on Wednesday, January 30, 2002. She was thrilled to have celebrated a family Christmas together with her much loved children, Donna Bowen-Willer and Edwin Willer, and David and Linda Bowen; and her cherished grandchildren Kirsten, Roderick and Courtney. She is reunited with her beloved husband Cliff and daughter Glennys. She is grateful for the many years of care and companionship of her brother Grant McKenzie and remembers with appreciation all the love and support she received from her son-in-law David Levin, and her nieces and nephew and their families. Merle spent her early years teaching piano in Islington and was a devoted member of Islington United Church for many years. She served many customers in "the village" of Islington at both Russell's Drugstore and Islington Pharmacy. She will be greatly missed by her many friends and family. We loved you Mer. Friends may call at the Butler Chapel of Turner and Porter Funeral Home, 4933 Dundas Street West, Toronto on Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until service time in the chapel at 11 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Linda Wheler. Interment Riverside Cemetery. Donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. The Ottawa Citizen, 31-01-2002