Obituary of Jessie Merkel

Jessie, "Queen of Cooking" resided in her home in Camrose, until a brief hospitalization and sudden passing on Friday, 22 May 2015. Jessie was born on August 13, 1925 in Dinant, Alberta to Frank and Katherine Cail, where she was raised on a farm and attended school. She moved to Edmonton to complete high school and then business college. She married Stanley Merkel in 1946 then moved often with the RCAF - living across Canada, in France and Italy. Jessie and Stan had a daughter, Katherine, who is named after Jessie's mother who died shortly after the birth, lingering with cancer six months longer to await the delivery. Jessie worked at many vocations - bank teller, optician, and lastly, as an administration clerk with DND until retirement. She enjoyed serving people. Her passion was always cooking, even one to read recipes at bedtime. A close second was her devotion to animals and especially her dog of 13 years, Corky O'Grady, a spunky cairn terrier. Not to shred tears easily, Jessie's hurt was palatable anytime animals were abused; sometimes confronting a person if a dog was locked in a hot car or a trucker if livestock was confined in a hot semi. Jessie walked the talk! She is survived by: her daughter, Dr. Katherine Merkel (Bill Lockhart); grandchildren, Leslie, Blair and David Lockhart; great-grandchildren, Mercedes and Alexander Fogarassy; sister-in-law, Vera Cail and numerous nieces and nephews. Jessie was predeceased by: her husband, Stan; parents, Frank and Katherine Cail; sisters, Margaret Hanna and Frances Barclay; and brothers, John Cail and Bill Cail. Our thanks to everyone who visited Mom in hospital and to Vera, Joan, Annelie and Terrie who comforted Mom on her passing while Katherine and Bill were in flight. Also, a special gratitude extends to Dr. Slabbert and Laurel, RN who always cared for Mom's well being and understood her specialness. A Funeral Service was held on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at 2:00pm., from The Burgar Memorial Chapel with Rev. Alan Richards officiating. Inurnment has taken place in The Camrose Cemetery. If friends so desire memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to The Alberta SPCA or to the charity of their choice.