Obituary of Merle Louise McGowan

Merle McGowan, a long-time resident of Regina, passed away suddenly on January 16, 2013 at the age of 90 years. Born in Regina on February 21, 1922, Merle was the second child of Charles and Louise Geake. She was a Home Economist, a Housewife and a much-admired Teacher who will be remembered by countless individuals in our community. Merle attended Connaught School, Scott Collegiate, and the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, graduating from the College of Home Economics in 1943. She began her teaching career in Armstrong, BC, returning to school to receive her Bachelor of Education from the University of BC in 1951. She returned to Regina where she was appointed Head of the Jr. Home Economics Department for Regina Public Schools, a position she held for 30 years. In 1956, Merle married Al McGowan, a fellow teacher. Upon retirement in 1982, Merle continued to work on special projects with the Department of Agriculture as Womens Program Co-ordinator for Mexibition. Merle and Al were active members of the Regina Wa Wa Shrine Club, Al having served as Potentate in 1971. Merle was President of the Shrine Club Ladies Auxiliary in 1983/84, and was subsequently bestowed the honor of Life Member. After Als passing in 1990, Merle became a volunteer at the MacKenzie Art Gallery, taking particular delight in convening Art in Bloom. She was an avid golfer, her passion for the sport demonstrated by her 40-year membership with the Wascana Golf and Country Club. She loved to paint and was an enthusiastic reader and continuous learner, always excited about her next class at the Lifelong Learning Centre. Since 2009, Merle enjoyed the comforts of her home at The Bentley where she had many friends. Merle was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Louise Geake, and her husband, Al. Merle is survived by her brother Lloyd Geake (Gladys) of Toronto, niece Patricia (Bart) Burness of Toronto, nieces Marilyn (Anthony) Iley and Valerie (Michael) King and their families in England; stepdaughter Maureen (Orvin) Time of Nanaimo, and their children Jason Time, and Giselle (Geoffrey) Reimer and grandson, Isak Reimer; and her dear friends Jack and Lee Peck, and Jayne and Craig Clendening of Regina, and their family, and Wendy Levi of Edmonton. A Memorial Service to Celebrate Merles Life will be held at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina on Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Jo Mader officiating. Interment in Riverside Memorial Park. Friends so wishing may make donations, in memoriam, to the Shrine Patient Transportation Fund, c/o Wa Wa Temple, 2065 Hamilton Street, Regina, Sask. S4P 2E1. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com