Merle was born Friday, June 15, 1962 in The Pas, Manitoba. She grew up in High Rock, Manitoba until the age of 10 and lived in Pukatawagan for the remainder of her life. Merle peacefully went on her spiritual journey, Saturday, October 12, 2013, at her home, with family by her bedside, at the age of 51 years. Merle was best known for her kindness and generosity. She was the most caring, sharing, loving, humble mother, wife, sister and friend we all loved. Merle had such great faith in our Creator, she relied on her prayers for strength to be strong, she prayed for a blessing to heal as she wanted so much to be here for her husband, her children and grandchildren. She lost her battle to cancer but won eternal life, a blessing bestowed upon her. During her time of difficulties, she never complained of pain but was grateful and thankful for all the love and support she was given. Merle treasures and riches were the people that were a part of her life; her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law from her husband’s family tree. Merle was a kindergarten teacher for a few years until she eventually became the famous favorite high school math teacher for 15 years. She was so highly intelligent and enjoyed her job, all her students loved her. Merle was a volunteer and an Avon representative because she knew that her work would benefit the children of Sakastew School and working for Avon, who supports cancer care. Merle was a happy, humorous friend. She spent a lot of quality time playing cards and was the one to make us laugh with her jokes and good sense of humour. She was an amazing mother, wife, sister, auntie and friend. Merle leaves behind a legacy and will forever be missed by her husband James Bear; her only beautiful daughter Shannon Lee Charlette (Douglas) and their children Sadie, Tori, Sequoia, Rylee and Annabelle; son Nathan (Katie) and their children Journey, Kaylo, Nathias, Narissa; son Marlon (Lisa) and his son Wallace; son “Baby Boy” Clayton; brother Lazare and his son Charlie; brother Edward (Shirley) and their sons Edwin, Stanley, Ryan; brother Wally (Evelyn) and his children Tyrone (Gaylene), Darlene (Vern), Wallace; brother Adam (Gloria); brother Cory; sister Emily (Stanley) and their son Raymond, niece Claudette; nephews Travis, Charlton; sister Susan Caribou; special cousin Norman Colomb; special niece Cheryl Bighetty and her children Jodie, Hudson, Matthew, Janice and Dylan; grandchildren Nolan, Damara, Eddy, Zayda, Darius, Matteo, Delores, Maximus, Marcus, Kordelle, Kyra, Evan, Charlotte, Kaysik, Lyle, Maggie, James, Ramsey, Edward. Merle was predeceased by her parents Norman and Alice Sinclair; brothers Cyril and Harry Sinclair; sister Nancy; nieces Annabelle Sinclair, Alice Sinclair; nephews Norman Sinclair, Lanny Sinclair, Steward Richard; granddaughter Josie Dumas-Sinclair; sister-in-law Margaret Sinclair; and many more relatives, too numerous to mention. Merle had a lot of friends and family. If we missed anyone it was not intentional. In Merle’s own words, “I am grateful and thanks to all who stood by, supported me and my family. I have a place in my heart for all of you. God bless all of us until we meet again. I love you.” WAKE SERVICE Monday, October 14, 2013 9:00 pm Youth Drop In Center, Pukatawagan, Manitoba FUNERAL SERVICE Tuesday, October 15, 2013 10:00 am Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Pukatawagan, Manitoba Presider: Fr. Vijay Deivanayagam, OMI Layreaders: Mary Ann Dumas and Hilda Francois. INTERMENT Wednesday, October 16, 2013 High Rock Cemetery, High Rock, Manitoba PALLBEARERS Nathan Sinclair, Marlon Sinclair, Clayton Sinlcair, Tyrone Sinclair, Charlton Bighetty, Cory Sinclair, Edwin Sinclair, Stanley Sinclair, Ryan Sinclair, Charlie Baker, Travis Bighetty, Douglas Charlette. HONORARY PALLBEARERS Lorna Dumas (Gordie Bear) and family, Mary Ann Dumas and family, Jimmy and Ester Colomb and family, Susan Caribou and family, Delores Charlette and family, Verna Lapansee and family, Myrtle Daniels and family, Cynthia and Earl Francois and family, Deanna Brightnose (Ken) and family, Verna Colomb and family, John Gerald Colomb and family, Matilda Linklater and family, Irvin and Thelma Pronteau and family.