MRS. ESTHER DOROTHY MERRITT nee McLEAN was born in Echo Bay, near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario on September 30, 1912, the second oldest of 10 children. Together with her older sister she helped mother the younger kids and has been mothering and encouraging many others since then. In 1933 she became a seamstress, and in 1934 she married William Albert Charles Merritt. Together they were lighthouse-keepers for 24 years on Lake Superior.

Esther is predeceased by her husband; by some of her brothers and sisters Wesley, Norman, Edmond, William, Alma and Sadie; also by her grandson Robbi.

Esther is survived by her son Brian James of Victoria and his family Brian (Debbie) of Calgary, Jamie of Calgary, Jolynne of Thunder Bay. Esther is also survived by her daughter Charleen (Lutz) and their family Beth-Anna (Jason) of Airdire and Thea of Lethbridge; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Esther went to be with the Lord quickly on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 4:20pm.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm, on Tuesday, November 10, 2009, at the WESTSIDE COMMUNITY CHURCH, 480 McMaster Blvd., W., Lethbridge, Alberta, with Reverend Bert Faulkner, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Westside Community Church, on behalf of World Missions, 480 McMaster Blvd., W., Lethbridge, Alberta, T1K 6R3.