Eileen K. Merritt

MERRITT, Kathryne Eileen (nee Smith)
December 10, 1925 – November 2, 2024

Eileen passed away peacefully, one month short of age 99, early in the morning of November 2; beloved wife of Ivan G. Merritt for 69 years who predeceased her in 2016. Eileen and Ivan are survived by their loving children Evan (Anne), Elaine (George), and Jane (Gord, deceased); also fondly remembered by former daughter-in-law Barb Merritt.

Eileen was predeceased by her parents Herbert William Smith and Alice Viola (Potruff) Smith; and her siblings Ivan, Ralph, Lyle, Eleanore, Doris, Bernice, Betty; she is survived by her younger brother Donald (Josephine).

Eileen and Ivan met in 1946 and it took them very little time to know they were destined to be together; they were married in Grimsby November 9, 1946. During their early years Ivan’s work took them from Grimsby to Hamilton and then back “home” to Grimsby. They settled in a nice new bungalow with their three children. And so began a wonderful family life full of love, laughter, and adventure. Strong connections were maintained with aunts, uncles, and “the cousins” on both the Smith and Merritt sides with lots of fun experiences at regular family reunions and holiday celebrations. These relationships were augmented by a deeply important network of lifelong friendships, some of which were formed by Eileen and Ivan as kids during their school days. (Oh, and it is remembered that Eileen was well known and respected on Lakeview Ave. for her decisive and vocal admonishments when needed to keep her kids and others in line!) Eileen and Ivan cherished their friends, who were like family, throughout their lives. The Merritts became well known for their camping and tent trailer exploits, and especially a driving / tent trailer trip across Canada to visit the Smith family contingent living in British Columbia. Master mechanic Ivan maintained the ’59 Ford and did the driving, but it was Eileen who organized everything else including overseeing the “cookie jar” loose change savings account to make the trip happen.

In 1968, as a result of a promotion for Ivan, they took a hard decision to move to Stratford. A place where they once again set down deep roots for 30 years earning new friendships and enjoying many happy times. It was during these years that they welcomed the birth of their six grand-daughters; Tonya (Mike Ritsch), Leigh (Chris West), Heather (Dave Smith), Megan (Kevin MacNeal), Leanna (Michael Lewis), and Amy (Luke Owens). All of the grandchildren carry lasting good memories of the legendary holiday celebrations, birthday parties, hardy meals, gifts and regular sleepovers with Grandma and Grandpa. In later years they also welcomed 12 great-grandchildren; Owen, Ashlee, Ryder, Rhys, Liam, Audrey, Ella, Petra, Una May, Clara, Nora, Peter and the fun continued!

During the early years Eileen was a young mother at home with her children giving them a firm foundation. As the story goes, looming dental bills for the kids contributed to Eileen’s decision to go out of the home to work; however there is a credible belief that she was also looking to express her talents in other ways as well. Eileen successfully undertook a number of new roles including making and selling ice cream at Christie’s Dairy, salesperson and cashier at Zellers and then later in Stratford at Towers Dept. Store; eventually Eileen took a position with the Stratford Sears Order Office from which she retired after 15 years of service. She distributed the famous Sears Catalogue and assisted with the orders and delivery of a wide variety of merchandise. And, all of her children and their spouses, came to enjoy (and rely upon) the benefits of the famous Sears Employee 15% Discount!! We all remember Eileen and Ivan rolling up to our homes with a new fridge or dishwasher stuck in the back of their 1974 Ford Torino station wagon! Moreover, little did Eileen realize – and her great grandchildren should take special note here – that grandma was well experienced in the paper and pencil version of long distance sales that would eventually morph into online shopping….think Amazon without a computer and e-commerce software platform! Eileen and Ivan worked as a good team balancing family, friends and work.

During the early years of their retirement Eileen and Ivan took up motorcycling. They travelled long distances east and west and south into the United States. Ivan steering up front and Eileen perched on the back, both connected by radio headsets in their helmets. More than once they pulled into our driveways on their motorcycle. The neighbours first thought they must be our friends….only to learn later, no, in fact they were our friendly parents/grandparents; yes, they did look like well aged hippies! But, what fun they had! During this period community work in Stratford was also important to them – volunteering with Meals on Wheels, and as members of the Shriners and Eastern Star; and Eileen worked behind the scenes with her church supporting various activities.

After many years in Stratford, where so many good times were enjoyed, they moved into a Stoney Creek condominium, closer to old friends and family members; they carried on many of the old traditions and started new ones, all the time content watching the success of their children, grandchildren and the arrival of great-grandchildren. Eventually the time came for them to move into a supported retirement home and this took them back to where the adventure started – Grimsby – and for a short time Vineland. Following Ivan’s passing, Eileen moved to Riverside Glen in Guelph – a location more central to the homes of her children. Her family continued to support her as she made knew friendships and carried on with as many activities as she could including games, crafts and exercise classes. Eileen’s family is immensely grateful to the caring managers and staff members at Riverside Glen. They took a genuine interest in Eileen’s well being and she counted them all among her friends. Most especially during her final weeks and days and hours they made Eileen comfortable, visited with her often and warmly welcomed her family members as they attended for final farewells. Eileen passed peacefully with dignity. Thank you, Riverside Glen!

Although Eileen’s earthly life has ended her energy and spirit will be expressed in her family as they move forward in their lives. Eileen’s focus on good food, generous gifts – many of them “homemade”, fun with crafts and games, sewing clothes for the kids, knitting, crocheting are some of the traditions and skills that have been sustained and passed down to the children and on to their children. The essence of who Eileen Smith Merritt was as a good woman, wife, mother and grandmother lives on in those that follow her.

Rest in peace Eileen,

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Wall-Custance Funeral Home & Chapel, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph from 1:00 pm to 1:45pm. A service will be held at 2:00 pm in the chapel. Reception to follow in the Wall-Custance Family Reception Centre. Arrangements entrusted to WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL (519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com).

In lieu of flowers Eileen’s family suggests making a donation to your local Food Bank, a charity of your choice or to the Meals on Wheels.

A tree will be planted in memory of Eileen K. Merritt in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.