Merri-Anne Garvey
It is with great sadness that the family of Merri-Anne Garvey announces her passing on Saturday, December 31, 2022 at the age of 60 in the Owen Sound Hospital peacefully and finally free of pain.
Merri-Anne was the loving wife of John for 39 years, devoted mother to Katlynne. She will be missed by her brothers Dan and Ron Jordan, special Aunt Anne and Uncle Nick of St. Thomas, brother-in-law Mike Garvey and his partner Cecilia, father-in-law John Garvey, and nephew Michael Garvey. She is predeceased by her parents Cam and Nicki (Ewart) Jordan, and mother-in-law Marygrace Garvey. Merri-Anne was a very special auntie to many.
Merri-Anne was a proud part of the Canadian Tire Petroleum family for 35 years. She started as a gas bar cashier in Kitchener and worked hard to achieve the position of gas bar manager in Port Elgin at the age of 18. When Petroleum moved to an agency operation Merri-Anne took another challenge and made the business hers. She loved being around people, greeting many lifelong customers and helping as much as possible. Due to health issues 9 years ago, she had to give up the business she loved and a career she was very proud of. She also found time helping in some public-school offices which was rewarding for her.
Merri-Anne’s health issues started back in 1984 when she was diagnosed with Systematic Lupus Nephritis. Being Merri-Anne, she was not going to let this beat her. She worked hard doing what the doctors suggested to keep the disease at bay – sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t, but she persevered. Unfortunately, her kidneys failed and needed to start dialysis here in Owen Sound.
Merri-Anne had an energy that could not be matched; she accepted every challenge that came her way. She was well known for having ‘theme’ birthday parties for Katlynne – these ranged from 50’s theme to a Scuba Diving party for 12 10-year-olds in a pool. She also liked organizing theme parties – murder mystery, pirate party and numerous New Years get togethers with friends and family. Merri-Anne was an avid scrapbooker and loved making cards.
The past few years have been hard for Merri-Anne, not being able to see family or friends due to the fear of contracting Covid. This fall we watched her health dwindle with every trip to the emergency room and 2 airlifts to London ICU. Merri-Anne is finally pain free after many years of suffering and no more pills or injections to take.
Katlynne and I would like to express our gratitude to all the PSW’s, nurses, physio and occupational therapists that assisted her in our home – you made her/our life easier. We would also like to thank the nurses, doctors and PSW’s at the Grey Bruce Health Services – Owen Sound, LHSC – University and Victoria Hospitals in London for the years of care. A very special thank you to the nurses and staff at the Owen Sound Dialysis unit – it was your care that helped her get through some tough times. Lastly, a huge thank you to her brother Dan for taking Merri-Anne to countless dialysis treatments and doctor visits that I could not attend.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held in the spring.
A few years ago, we as a family were able to go on a vacation and stay at Lions Camp Dorset. This camp provides a place where families can be on vacation while their loved ones receive dialysis. We stayed in a nice cabin and Merri-Anne would receive dialysis every other morning, then spend the time being a normal tourist. If so desired, memorial donations can be made to Lions Camp Dorset. Visit their web site and click on the ’DONATE’ button www.lionscampdorset.com.
Online condolences can be made at www.greybrucecremation.com.