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MERL G. VOAKES
Born: Oct 09, 1934
Date of Passing: Jan 06, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryMERL G. VOAKES Peacefully, on January 6, 2014, Merl Voakes (nee Thomson) passed away after a brief illness. Predeceased by her parents Fred in 1979 and her mother Grace in 2001, she leaves behind her husband of 56 years Orval, her children Grant (Cindy) and Leanne (Kent Gowler), and grandchildren Quinton and Madelyn. Mom was born October 9, 1934 and raised in Winnipeg, graduating from United College. An active member of Broadway First Baptist Church for her entire life, she enjoyed singing in the choir and was active in many church groups throughout her life. It was also through the church that she met her husband Orval and formed many lifelong friendships. She was an active member of Patricia Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. Mom worked as a medical secretary at Winnipeg Clinic until 1967, when she took on the role of raising her children. Later, she returned to work part time, working retail at a gift store and eventually opening and running Golden Willow Gifts from 1995 to 2010. Her family remained the most important part of her life, and she took great pleasure in the achievements of her children and grandchildren. Throughout her life, Mom's faith was a comfort to her and we have the assurance that she is now with our Heavenly Father. A celebration of Mom's life will be held at Broadway First Baptist Church, 790 Honeyman, on Saturday January 11, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0V9. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
Publish Date: Jan 9, 2014
MERL G. VOAKES It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Merl Voakes on Monday, January 6, 2014 at the St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 79 years. Longer obituary will follow. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
Publish Date: Jan 7, 2014
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 09, 2014
Condolences & Memories (22 entries)
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We were greatly saddened to hear about the passing of Merl. She was a friend and a gracious lady. I looked forward to seeing her friendly face at our chapter meeting. May she rest in peace and all who know her have many happy memories of her time with us. - Posted by: Amy & Dennis Butcher (Friend) on: Jan 16, 2014
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So sorry we were unable to attend Merl's funeral. She was such a gracious lady and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. - Posted by: Bev & Ray Conley (Friendship #67 Eastern Star ) on: Jan 12, 2014
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Orval, Grant and family, Sincere condolences on the passing of your wife and mother. Our thoughts are with you in this difficult time. - Posted by: Gates Salmon (Co-worker) on: Jan 11, 2014
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Orval, Grant and Family our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time - Posted by: Mike Emslie (co-worker) on: Jan 10, 2014
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Orval - so sorry to learn of your loss. Be well my friend, Pam and I will be thinking of you. - Posted by: John Mainer (co/worker) on: Jan 10, 2014
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Dear Orval, I was surprised and saddened to hear of your wife's passing. My heart goes out to you and your family at this sorrowful time. You have always brought such cheer to our workplace - I hope a lifetime of happy memories will help you to smile again. - Posted by: Heather Mowat (Co-Worker/Friend) on: Jan 10, 2014
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Orval, During this sad time, I send you my love and prayers. You bring joy to us in the office, and we thank you. - Posted by: Barbara Foucault (co-worker) on: Jan 10, 2014
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Voakes family, my condolences on the loss of your love one. I know from working with Orval at the University she will missed by all. - Posted by: Mike Thul (Co-worker) on: Jan 09, 2014
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Suprised to hear of Merl passing. We enjoyed shopping at the store and were sad when it closed. Merl was always a cheery person and had many a kind word to pass on. Condolences to her family. - Posted by: Laurie (customer of Golden Willow) on: Jan 09, 2014
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To the family So sorry to hear of your wife and mother's passing. I'm sure you will miss such a wonderful part of your life. Sincerest sympathy to all from Lorraine Taylor - Posted by: Lorraine Taylor (friend and teacher of the children) on: Jan 09, 2014
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I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your wife. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time. - Posted by: Jackie Bend (Co-worker) on: Jan 09, 2014
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So sorry to hear this sad news. We are all thinking of you, Orval. Hugs. - Posted by: Kam Holland (Colleague) on: Jan 09, 2014
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Dear Orval: You and your family are in my thoughts during this sad time. Take good care. - Posted by: Lou Lepine ((Co-worker)) on: Jan 09, 2014
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Dearest Orval, I am so sorry to hear of Merl's passing. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Over almost 6 decades, you've been gifted a wonderful loving relationship with many beautiful memories. - Posted by: Barbara Read (coworker/friend) on: Jan 09, 2014
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It very hard to learn of Merl's passing. You always spoke of her in ways that made her sound like the light of your life. My thoughts are with all of you as you adjust to life without her. - Posted by: Kirsten Godbout (Friend/Co-worker) on: Jan 09, 2014
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Dear Orval. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. - Posted by: Joan Duesterdiek (Co-worker/friend) on: Jan 09, 2014
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We are very sorry to hear of Merl's passing. May she rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Jack & Leila Goods (Friends) on: Jan 09, 2014
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Orval is a very giving man and I am sorry to hear about his wife's passing. I worked with Orval at the University of Winnipeg for a long time, he was always available to listen and always gave good advice. Take care. - Posted by: Ken Kowaluk (Friend of Orval) on: Jan 09, 2014
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Sorry to hear of your loss, my condolences to all the family. - Posted by: Brian () on: Jan 08, 2014
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Dear Orval and family. I thought about you so often over the holidays and prayed for better news. My thoughts and prayers are with you now, even more so. - Posted by: Cathleen Hjalmarson (Co-Worker/Friend) on: Jan 08, 2014
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Orval and family, my sincere sympathy in the loss of your dear beloved wife, Merl. We will all miss Merl, as will you more than anyone. Take care. I am thinking about you at this difficult time. Marian Bulloch - Posted by: Marian Bulloch (friend from Eastern Star) on: Jan 08, 2014
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Dear Orval So sorry to hear of Merl's passing. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I know you have many happpy memories of the wonderful life you shared together. As you well know you are lucky to have had such a wonderful partner. May God Bless you and keep you safe. - Posted by: Cathy Keenan (friend) on: Jan 07, 2014