Obituary of Merle Ann Filion

Merle Ann Filion (nee Carnahan) of Bengough, SK, passed away on Thursday, March 8, 2012, at the age of 71 years. Merle, the only child of Chester and Rose Carnahan, was born on April 27, 1940 in Bengough. Merle was very close with her mother and spent many days with her bussing kids to eye doctors and dentists. She started seeing Gary Filion in 1959 and one short year later married the love of her life on June 20, 1960. They were blessed with five children, Myrtle in 1961, Colleen in 1965, Micheal in 1966, Sandra in 1968, and Robert in 1970. Merle was a devoted and loving wife and mother. She spent countless hours cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry for her family and the hired men, all without a word of complaint. Her huge garden supported the family and she kept the farm books as well. In her spare time Merle mended the endless ripped jeans and shirts that came from farm life. She was always there to chauffer girl guides and boy scouts, and many happy weekends was spent on bottle drives. Merle served the church as a UCW member and volunteered in many ways. Merle loved nature and wildlife and she supported the World Wildlife Fund. Growing up she had a pet pigeon, deer and rabbit. Later Merle had Jersey Milk Cows and she enjoyed their fresh milk, cream and making home made butter. Merle welcomed spring each year, watching for signs like the creek run after spring breakup and listening for the geese to return. The sights and sounds of life around the farm brought Merle so much joy. Merle is survived by her loving husband Gary of 51 years; daughter Myrtle; daughter Colleen; son Mike; daughter Sandra; son Robert. Predeceased by her parents Chester and Rose (nee Hantow) Carnahan. Funeral Service was held on Thursday, March 15, 2012, at 2:00 p.m., from the Knox United Church, Bengough, SK, with Sylvia Fitzgerald officiant. The urn bearer was Gary Filion. Interment took place at the Bengough Cemetery. Memorial tributes in memory of Merle to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 279 3rd Ave., Saskatoon, SK S7K 2H8. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Piché-Hawkins-Grondin Funeral Chapels, Assiniboia & Gravelbourg.