It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Laurie Merrett. Laurie was born in Duncan and as the child of an RCMP officer she lived in many communities on Vancouver Island and the lower Mainland. After graduation she backpacked through Europe with her cousin Kathy Williams, the two were affectionately known as Lucy and Ethel.
Upon her return to Duncan she met the love of her life, Mark Merrett. They were married three years later. Their daughter Jo-Lynne was born the following year and their son Todd was born two years later.
As a young wife and mother working full time, Laurie decided to go to University where she successfully completed her degree in Social Work at the University of Victoria. She devoted her working career to helping others. This included running care homes, facilitation duties with Big Brothers and Big Sisters, victim services counselling and just a general love of helping other people.
Laurie enjoyed gardening, cooking, reading, and travelling to warmer climates but nothing compared to her love of being a grandmother.
She will be greatly missed by her husband and best friend of 35 years Mark; her children Sarah (Jason) Insley, Jo-Lynne (Dan) Wikkerink and Todd (Candis) Merrett. Her grandchildren who knew her as Mee-Maw and G-Ma include Mayhanna, Spencer, Rylan, Nova (Jellybean) and Akaysia (Cheeky), they will miss her beyond words.
Laurie is also survived by her parents Albert (Van) and Marlene Van Caeseele, her sister Dawn (Kenn) McFadden and brother Guy (Laurie) Van Caeseele as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at 1:00 PM at H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre, 5285 Polkey Road, Duncan BC with a tea to follow at Mark and Laurie’s home. Upon Laurie’s request please wear something red as this was her favorite color. “She will be Loved, Missed and Remembered Forever” Online condolences may be made at www.hwwallacecbc.com