MERCHANT, Wilhelmina Johanna “Willy” (nee Visser)
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.
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Dear Bob,
Just read in The Gazette in Montreal, the passing of Willie. Much too young.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Cousin Frances Merchant
Montreal (Chateauguay) Qc.
Dear Bob;
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Willie was such a vibrant woman and we were so shocked to hear of her passing. Our prayers go out to you and your family during these difficult times.
Dave & Gwen Tschritter
My sincere condolences to the family. I remember Willy as a compassionate, caring, considerate person. My heart goes out to you all.
I was saddened to see Willy’s obituary today. Almost 30 years ago she found the house for me that I’m still living in. I looked for many months and she took the time to know what I wanted and made sure I found it. She was always fun and warm, practical and professional. Without a hint of impatience she showed me house after house – and tracked the ones I was interested in until she thought the owners might bring the price down to my budget. Over the months I got to know her I realized that I had lucked out finding her as my agent. She was a special person, and she spoke very lovingly about her family. My condolences. She is gone too soon. Judith Hanebury
Dear Bob and Family:
We will deeply miss a dear friend. Willie will always live on in our memories as a strong support for us during difficult times, generously giving her time and energy to others in good times and bad. We are so sorry to hear of her passing.
Cynthia Noonan and Thelma Bumanis
Dear Bob, Wendy, Scott and Lori and grandchildren, We send our heartfelt sympathy in the loss of the wonderful presence of Willy in your lives. We have so many sweet memories of Willy in the 25 plus years we spent at St. Andrew’s. She was so supportive and helpful when we left Calgary on our way to Mexico. We will never forget her vibrant personality, compassion and kindness. Her real estate talents were amazing and in so many other ways her talents will be treasured in our memories. Flemming and Lorie
Scott and Lori and Family
We are so sorry for your loss. We just want you to know that we are thinking about all of you during this very sad time.
Enza and Warren Mueller
Dear Bob,Wendy & Scott.My deepest codolences on the passing of a wonderful wife,mother and grandmother.Her devotion to her family and her caring nature to relatives and friends will always be in my mind and heart.The celebration of her life will be fitting tribute to her.
Peter
Dear Bob, Wendy and Scott, we are so saddened to hear that Willy has passed, not only was she our Realtor but was a friend of our family for many years. Our condolances to all of you. She will be sadly missed as vibrant personalities such as hers are not common in this world. She loved all of you so dearly and her grandchildren were the joy of her life…Don and Shirley McAuley