Obituary of Wilhelmina Johanna Willy MERCHANT

February 25, 1938 – December 25, 2011 Wilhelmina “Willy” Johanna Merchant beloved wife of Bob Merchant of Calgary, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 25, 2011 at the age of 73 years. Willy was born in Werkendam, Netherlands and moved to Canada in 1956. She met and married Bob Merchant in Montreal in 1962. Here, they started their family of two children, Wendy and Scott. In 1972, the family moved to Calgary. Willy enjoyed great success as both a realtor and manager for twenty-five years. Her vibrant personality, combined with her compassion and kindness, made her a much-loved member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, where she was an Elder and a long-standing member of the choir. Willy had an unconditional love for family; her children, and especially her grandchildren, were delights to her. Indeed, in fifty years of a devoted marriage and partnership, husband Bob cannot recall her being in a bad mood once. Her tremendous work ethic was an inspiration to her children, as well as her colleagues and her compassion and kindness set the example to live by. But it is her sense of fun, her spontaneity and her genuine love of people that she will be most remembered for. Willy had an unfailing gift for seeing the best in people, quite possibly because she always brought her best to every one of us. Besides her loving husband Bob, Willy is survived by her daughter Wendy; son Scott and daughter-in-law Lori; and her three granddaughters, Michaela, Riley, and Tyler. She is also survived by her siblings, Ploon, Thom, Jurry, Jenny, Theo and Nel. She was predeceased by her parents Jenneke and Gerrit Visser, and her brother Gerrit. Funeral Services will be held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (703 Heritage Drive S.W.) on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, Suite 201, 222 – 58th Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 2S3, Telephone: (403)290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.com. In living memory of Willy Merchant, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.