SEPTEMBER 8, 1937 – MARCH 6, 2023

At the age of 85, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on Monday March 6, 2023.

Petronella (Ronny) Merkac (Garrels) was the devoted wife to Predeceased Gabriel Merkac December 6, 2022.

Daughter, Cindy Stirling (Merkac) Children and her dearest grandchildren Molly, Drew and Jaslan Stirling and many foster grandchildren.

Daughter Debbie Merkac-Robinson. Children and her beloved grandchildren Dr. Tyler Robinson, Dr. Trevor Robinson (Justin Pope) and Tanya Robinson. Daughter Sylvia Lang (Merkac) and her husband Steve Lang.

Children and her devoted grandchildren Denise Lang, Michael Lang and Nicole Lang. Great Grandchildren (Denise Lang) Meadow and Micah Forsyth. Daughter Linda Merkac. Children and her dearest grandchildren Kurtis, Alyssa and Mitch Paddison.

Son Greg Merkac and his wife Laura Merkac. Children and her beloved grandchildren Sierra, Gabriel, Gavin, Isabella and Michelle. Son Justin Merkac and his wife Pamela Merkac. Children and her devoted grandchildren Devin, Zion and Justus Merkac.

Ronny was born in Bussum, Netherlands into a family of 4 children. She immigrated to Canada as a young woman with her family and settled in the Scarborough area. She met the love of her life Gabriel Merkac at a community dance for immigrants. They married and built a wonderful life together in their home in Mitchell’s Corners in Clarington Ontario. She worked tirelessly raising 6 children while working more than full time in the large appliance family business with her husband in Oshawa.

She was the secretary, bookkeeper, and office administrator to the business, as well as being a wife and mother. Ronny helped her husband start a successful small business and supported him when he built their home and cottage. She also supported him when he became a volunteer firefighter, even when the alarm went off in the middle of the night, waking all the family.

Ronny and Gabe were involved in the building of the rectory and church at St Therese’s parish when it arrived in Courtice. They were active within the local community such as Zion Park. Ronny went door to door collecting park memberships. Ronny would also hold down the home front while.

Gabe participated in many volunteer activities. She babysat many neighbourhood children. Ronny and Gabe were married almost 65 years, an amazing milestone! Ronny always found time to knit, crochet and sew for her family. She made countless sweaters, hats, mittens, dresses, clothing, and other homemade items for her family.

Many of the family pictures showcase her fine skills throughout the years. Ronny was also very accomplished on the piano and would often play in the evenings when her children had been put in bed. The family piano Gabe bought and restored stood proudly in the dining room.

Ronny knit and taught all her children and several granddaughters to knit her own pattern of baby booties. As her children became teenagers, Ronny started to knit for others. She loved to “people watch” and would travel on the Go Train into the Eaton’s Center in Toronto just to watch the crowds and beautiful displays in the stores. She would carry booties with her and hand them out to pregnant women or any babies that she saw.

She took great pleasure in being “The fairy Godmother” and brightening their day. Sometimes she would even ask them for their address and mail off a handmade layette to them. She collected baby items from her favorite stores and would do “Theme” packages. Ronny was also a NICU volunteer, and she frequently dropped off booties or blankets to brighten someone’s day. When Ronny’s grandchildren started to arrive, she continued making handmade items for them and could always be counted on for a specially handpicked Birthday and Christmas present for any of them.

Her Great grandchildren have also worn many items that she made creating multi generation items. Ronny’s interests and pastimes over the years were related to babies and children. She was very proud of her children, grandchildren, foster grandchildren and great grandchildren and all their accomplishments. She loved to spend time with them listening or doing puzzles with them and displayed an active interest in their lives. Ronny was a very dedicated, giving person.

She was a pleasure to spend time with for all her family and loved visits from their pets as well. Ronny became the “Zip Line Grannie” on a trip to the BC Rocky Mountains. Ronny’s support to her husband was right to the end. She made sure his suffering was over before she decided to join him for his first birthday in heaven. In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation Operation Smile – Canada – Help Heal a Childs Cleft Lip https://secure.operationsmile.ca She will be held close in our hearts, always loved, and never forgotten. The family appreciates all your support during this difficult time.

A visitation for Petronella will be held Sunday, March 12, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at COURTICE FUNERAL CHAPEL , 1587 Highway #2, Courtice, ON L1E 2R7. A funeral mass will occur Monday, March 13, 2023 at 11:30 AM at St. Therese Catholic Church, 3800 Courtice Road North, Courtice, ON.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at courticefuneralchapel.com for the Merkac family.

Please join the family via Livestream at https://fweb.tv/97622.