MRS. DOREEN M. MERKL, beloved wife of the late Frank N. Merkl of Lethbridge, AB, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at the age of 75 years.

Doreen was predeceased by her husband of forty -three years and is lovingly remembered by her children; Shelley Merkl (Gary) of Lethbridge, Dana (Martina) Merkl of Lethbridge, Bernie Merkl of Vancouver and Coreen (Bill) Warnock of Iron Springs, as well as grandchildren; Char-Lene (Michael) Dyck, Sean Merkl (Debbie), Jeremiah (Carolyn) Merkl, Christopher Merkl, Corey Merkl, Jim Warnock (Brandie), Taylor Merkl, Wade Warnock, Kendal Merkl (Andrew), Christy Warnock, Mackenzie Merkl (Bryan), Melissa Merkl, and Jordan Plettl as well as great-grandchildren Bailey, Carson and Brennan Dyck, Morgan Merkl, Austyn Wright and Devon Warnock. She was predeceased by her father, Peter, mother, Martha and brothers and sisters-in-law; Elmer, Fred (Thelma), Butch (Brida), Tom (Helen), Bernard and John O’Donnell. She is survived by her sisters-in-law Eva and Tillie O’Donnell.

Doreen was born in Purple Springs, AB, on May 9, 1934. She was the only girl in a family of six older brothers so Doreen learned how to be strong at a young age. On April 18th, 1953 she married Frank Merkl who was serving in the Royal Canadian Navy and was stationed in Victoria, BC. It was here that all of her children were born except Dana who was born in Taber. On October 4, 1961, Frank was injured in a tragic diving accident that left him a quadriplegic at the age of thirty. Doreen spent many years of her life caring for Frank and supporting his crusade to help the disabled.

Doreen also worked many years at Woolco Department Store. It was here that she met her very close friend, Barbara Hopkins. Doreen and Barb shared many great times travelling, playing bingo and attending hockey games. Doreen was an enthusiastic hockey fan whether for the Lethbridge Hurricanes or for her own grandchildren.

All of those privileged to know Doreen will remember the hours of togetherness shared around her kitchen table. She created for each of us a sense of comfort, of belonging and of value. Her keen sense of humor and her ready advice, wanted or not, filled the kitchen with laughter, with life, and especially with love. She treasured her friends, her children, her grandchildren and great grandchildren and was so proud of them.

Doreen will be greatly missed but we take comfort in knowing that she is reunited with Frank and her Irish eyes are always smiling down on all of us.

A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. with Maureen Condon- Horon officiating.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405-12 Avenue South, Lethbridge on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at 10:00 A.M. with Reverend Raul Hernandez Celebrant.

Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to the St. Michael’s Foundation, Palliative Care Unit, 1400 - 9th Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4V5.

Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1. Telephone (403) 381-7777. E-mail: care@cornerstonefh.ca