Obituaries

MERLE MOONEY

We regret to announce the passing of Merle Noreen Mooney (Routledge) on Dec. 30, 2023, 12:33 AM. She was surrounded by family at her time of passing.

Merle Routledge was born March 18th, 1931 on the Routledge family farm in the Lenore District. She was the youngest of four children of William Henry (Harry) Routledge and Mary (May) Hester (Pollock), joining older brothers Doug, Glen and Elgin. Merle was the last surviving family member.

Merle received her formal education at Ravine and Lenore schools. Merle moved to Virden with her mother in 1948. But enrolled at Logan Business school in Brandon. After graduation she worked in the Ag. Rep. office in Virden. It was here she met the love of her life, John Robert (Jack) Mooney. They were married Aug. 11, 1951. Jack was transferred to Winnipeg with his job and later to Regina. They retired to Tsawwassen B.C. to travel and enjoy the good life. Along the way they had three children. Brent, Blaine and Marylea. They have 7 Grandchildren. Kaitlin, Maude, Eric, Braden, John, Cailea and Daniel, great grandchild Lorelei with another one on the way.

Merle and Jack were soon the record keepers and family historians and put together an extensive Family historical archive that she has preserved and added to over the years.

When Jack passed in 2010 Merle eventually got the itch to move back to Winnipeg. While leaving family and friends was a difficult move, Merle quickly settled in at River Ridge Assisted living in 2020. Making friends has never been a problem for Merle who was liked by residents and staff alike. Merle was known as the “Marathon Lady” doing her daily multi kilometer walks!

We would like to thank the staff at River Ridge where she resided for the wonderful care they provided. Special thanks to the nurses and doctors at the St. Boniface hospital for their compassion.

A family celebration of life will take place in Virden Manitoba later this summer.