Merle Dianne Kroeker
The family of Merle Dianne Kroeker (Clay) is immensely saddened to announce the passing of our beautiful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Merle was born in 1945 in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, and passed away with her children at her side on November 06, 2024, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Merle grew up in Herbert, Saskatchewan, with her parents and twin siblings. She attended school in Herbert and trained as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Saskatoon. Merle and Bob were married in 1965, and work took them around the province, where they gathered a tremendous network of dear friends. Merle and Bob have always considered their friends a part of the family.
Merle was the glue for her family and extended family, ensuring that special events were celebrated by gathering for meals, love, and laughter. She enjoyed entertaining and gathering with her friends in her home or garden with wine and cocktails. A particular favorite was a bonfire for a wiener roast or fresh garden potatoes on the coals with dill and cream. Merle enjoyed cards with the family in a game of 31 or cribbage. Merle was always ready for a good time and usually the last one to bed during these gatherings with friends and family. Merle also loved to go the casino and, for many years, enjoyed camping with close friends in Blaine Lake and the interior of BC after retirement.
Merle was the number one fan of her children, who were blessed to see her in the stands, cheering them on for every event they participated in, including hockey, softball, track and field, swimming, Christmas concerts, and random outdoor pool diving boards. Merle was the self-proclaimed referee and created some sparks at various sporting events! Her cheer and support carried on to her grandchildren by attending as many of their events as possible. No child could have asked for more.
Merle had a capital "G" green thumb. She loved her garden and flowers. While living in Melfort, she managed six gardens and harvested 2000 lbs of potatoes-a true prairie girl. Merle enjoyed the annual family sunflower competition with all her kiddos over the last few years. Lilies were mom's absolute favorite flower and will now have a lifelong, special meaning for us. Merle and Bob gave so much to the communities that they lived in and always supported sports teams with coaching and cheering, clubs such as the Lions Club and Citizens on Patrol. Contributing to the communities where Bob and Merle lived was their ethos and soulfully vital to them. Merle and Bob created community wherever they went.
Merle loved and cared with all her heart. She was always the first to help anyone in need and did so selflessly. Even with her struggles in her illness she did not want to burden anyone. Merle was a remarkable human being who touched the hearts of all who knew her. We are all better people for having Merle in our lives, and her passing has left a tremendous void.
Merle was predeceased by her loving husband, Bob Kroeker, survived by her sister Winn, sister-in-law Sharon (Wes) and brother-in-law- Daryl (Debbie), daughter Dana (Tim), son Tess (Georgia), Grandchildren Joshua, Jayde, Lucas, Benjamin, Abigail, Ryan, Matthew, and their partners and spouses. Great Granddaughter Norie and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.
The family would like to extend our sincere and special recognition to the Palliative Home Care Team, SMPCOC, Dr. Deobald, Dr. Bibby, Dr. Walker, Dr. Ward, Dr. Gowrishankar, Kat Darby, the Hospice at Glengarda staff (Tracy for all your extra) and appreciation to friends and family for all your support, messages, meals, and love during these challenging times.
Celebration of Life
The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life for Merle on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 1:00 PM at The Glen at Crossmount - Glenlyon Hall which is located at: 10 Glen Rd, Crossmount, Sask.
We will be serving refreshments, snacks and dessert and there will be an open bar for beer wine and ciders.
In Lieu of Flowers:
The family would be grateful for donations to be sent to the Hospice at Glengarda in Merle's name at: Hospice at Glengarda
Or
Gifts donated to Merle Kroeker through the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan will be designated specifically to the Symptom Management and Palliative Care Outpatient Clinic at Merle Kroeker for SMPCOC
"A mother's love is always with her children. Losing a mother is some of the deepest sorrows a heart can know. But her goodness, her caring and her wisdom live on like a legacy of love that will always be with you. May that love surround you know and bring you peace."
We look forward to celebrating Merle's life and legacy with you all.
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