Gwendolyn Alberta Merkley (née Barton)

In the early hours of October 8th, 2025, Gwendolyn passed away due to cancer in Kemptville, Ontario. She is now reunited with her husband Paul, her sister Dawneen, and her parents Hazel and Lawrence Barton.

Gwen leaves behind her younger sister Lawrie (Simon), sister-in- law Diane, her daughters Michele (Milton), Sharon, and Amy (Richard), and her son, Bob. She also leaves behind her grandchildren Becky (Thomas), Max, Caitlin (Rico) and Matty, her great granddaughter Sophia, as well as numerous family and friends. 

Gwen graduated from Toronto Western Hospital School of Nursing in 1957. She went on to travel in Europe for some time with her friend and future sister-in-law, Diane, where she spent some time nursing in Scotland. Upon her return to Canada, she worked at the Toronto Western Hospital followed by the Victorian Order of Nurses. She went on to marry Paul and begin their adventures in travel and family. 

Gwen was a lover of photography, reading, and knitting. She was a woman of few words but always knew the right ones to say. Gwen will be deeply missed by everyone she leaves behind. 

Friends and family are invited to a service in Gwen’s memory at Tubman Funeral Home Garden Chapel, 3440 Richmond Road, on Tuesday, October 14th, 2025, at 1:00pm. Reception to follow.

To attend virtually, please pre-register for the livestream here.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer Society of Canada in memory of Gwen.