Elaine passed away peacefully on Monday, June 8, 2026 at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital after suffering a stroke. Elaine was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Dwight Merkley. She is survived by her children Craig (Jan Searle), Lauren (Ray Cook), and David. Proud grandmother of Peter (Kaitlyn), Gray (Lisa) and Olivia Merkley, Krista (Andrew), Kevin (Nicky), and Alex (Sarah) and great-grandmother of Finley, and Marlee.
Elaine and Dwight both had long and rewarding careers as teachers. Together, they raised their family as part of the Ridgewood Crescent neighbourhood and enjoyed many summers spent at their cottage on Georgian Bay. Elaine never backed down from a challenge in life, including fending off seagulls with a javex bottle baler, while driving the fishing boat! She was a kind, caring and generous person, who will be missed by all.
As per Elaine’s wishes, private family arrangements will take place.
Donations to the Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
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