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Lori Merasty

Image by Nick Andréka

LORI MERASTY

April 25, 1963 – December 8, 2021

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our dearly beloved mother, wife, sister, and friend, Lori Merasty. She passed away on the evening of December 8th, 2021, with her family by her side at Saint Boniface hospital. 

Lori was born on April 25th, 1963, in Montreal, Quebec to Shirley and John Meronek. Her parents moved their family to Winnipeg in 1965. 

Lori was a lifelong educator, with a passionate heart. After earning her Bachelor of Education from the University of Manitoba, she began working with Frontier School Division in Brochet, Manitoba, where she taught for over a decade. She was welcomed as a member of the community, and it is there she met Gary Merasty, her husband of 34 years. She was an avid volunteer in Brochet, and received a Community Service Award for her work. After moving back to Winnipeg, she continued working as a resource teacher and earned her Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in 2006. She finished her career as a reading recovery teacher in the Pembina Trails School Division.
 

Lori’s love extended to all her animals, and even as a child, she was rescuing strays. She loved camping and spending time outdoors, often accompanying her husband on trips to northern Manitoba. She was a longtime volunteer of the Winnipeg Folk Festival, helping out on the Used Record Sale, Folk Exchange and the Hear All Year crews. She enjoyed doing yoga with the ladies, watching the Blue Bombers and the Winnipeg Jets games, and thrifting at the MCC Kildonan Thrift Shop. She loved her friends, and was always excited to go out and see them. She continued to meet with her Survivors group for many years.
 

She remained strong and optimistic throughout her life, determined to enjoy the bright side of every single day, and she is remembered for her beaming smile. She leaves behind her husband Gary; daughters Megan and Robin; sisters Susan Ziemski (Alan), and Barbara Meronek (Donna); brother Dan Meronek; nephews Rowan and Kalem; and her dog, Jersey. She was predeceased by her cat, Niso.
 

Her family plans to hold a celebration of life at a later date in the spring. In the meantime, the family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Canadian Diabetes Association, or the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Wendy

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

My deepest condolences Gary, Megan and Robin. I’m so sorry   

Wendy

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Sweet Lori. ❤️

Mike Durocher

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Awe I am so sorry for such a huge loss. My sincere condolences to Gary and his daughters Meghan and Robin. 

Caitlin Crozier

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

My deepest condolences.

David Jacobson

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

So sorry to hear about Lori. She was an inspiration to me in the diabetic group. She inspired courage to me to handle and endure the complications that diabetes ravaged on us all. She was a lot of fun and joy followed her everywhere. On behalf of Diabetes 4 life support group and my family to you’res. You have our deepest sympathies . Lori will be missed ❤

Bill Vandergraaf

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

So sorry for your loss GARY and hope to see you soon. Bill and Mary.

Cheryl Sproat

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Gary, Megan and Robin, Brian and I are so sorry for your loss.  Lori was a very special person with a kind and generous soul and she will be greatly missed.  Lori was my adventure partner, camping at Birds Hill park and then, when we graduated grade 12, we bought 2 tickets to Toronto on our brand new Hudson Bay cards.  Shirley arranged for us to spend 2 weeks in a dorm room at U of T where we set out to discover what Toronto and Montreal had to offer.  We continued to have fun over the years, going down to the US and skiing at Frost Fire Mountain and with various camping adventures.   When Lori and Gary married, the four of us became fast friends spending time camping and hanging out together.  Brian took a memorable trip up to Brochet with Lori’s father, John, and his friend to go fishing and he was able to visit their home up north.  We continued to spend time camping together at one of our favourite locations, St. Ambrose, where many fun escapades occurred and the girls enjoyed the sandy beach. There are so many great memories…including spending time at Alyson and Yvonne’s parents cabin for their honeymoon.  So many great and special memories that will be forever cherished.❤

Leanne Fournier

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Lori was a sweet, gentle soul. A smile you felt in your heart whenever we met. Sending love and deepest condolences to Gary, Robin and Megan. Leanne and Michael 

Leanne Fournier

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Lori was such a sweet, gentle soul. Sending love and deepest condolences to Gary, Robin and Megan. Leanne and Michael 

Linda

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

This world has lost a Gentle Soul. Lori will always be remembered as a Strong, Kind, Considerate, Patient & Caring person! She will be missed at our Joanne brunches…. but never forgotten….we must hold onto those awesome memories of her ❤

Marlene

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

My deepest condolences Gary, Megan , Robin & Family members. Words cannot express how saddened I am in the loss of such a dear  friend. ….In my heart I will treasure  great memories we shared of fun trips to Grand Forks , and other outings…. Including Bomber games….. which she loved. Lori was an amazing fun person with such a  gentle, kind heart . Marlene ❤

Gina Bye

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

My sincerest condolences extend to each and every family member & friend touched by Lori’s amazing spirit of positivity, joy & kind heart.  Not a day goes by when I don’t shed a tear as I seem to miss her more as time goes by.  I am so grateful for the time we shared and the memories we made.  I pray I never forget her laugh because it’s what makes me smile the most when I think of my beautiful friend Lori!

Brad Parker

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

My deepest condolences Gary, Megan and Robin Brad Parker 

Elaine Egan, Pembina Trails School Division

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Lori was a very dedicated teacher and an employee who held herself to a very high standard.  I will never forget how hard she fought to stay teaching, modelling grit and determination for everyone around her, even as her health failed.  My most sincere condolences to her family and friends who have lost a remarkable woman.  

Shelley

September 25, 2024 at 7:31 PM

Gary, Megan & Robin I am so sorry for your profound loss.  I will miss hearing stories about you.  She is such a proud Mom and she loved to tell about Gary's loving her with his culinary skills. I will miss her forever.  Still so hard to believe we can't text when we are each going for bloodwork or other transplant issues.  1st hsc bloodwork time I sat there crying, waiting & a woman brought in a therapy dog.  He gave me an extra kiss & of course I thought of you smiling at that sweet moment. I am so thankful to have you in my life.  I am grateful for all you taught me about not only "surviving" but rather enjoying every precious minute of life's adventures. ❤ Shelley See you soon, little one!

Alyson Magian

September 25, 2024 at 7:31 PM

Gary, Megan and Robin, May your memories of Lori comfort you in your loss. Lori was a great influence in how to live a positive life. Let’s strive to continue to live that life her honor.  I will always laugh at the shenanigans we got up to at St. Mary’s in 7th and 8th grade. (9th grade was somewhat probationary for us!!!). The great  times we had with  “the girls” Lori, Susan, Debbie, Cheryl, Lucie , Yvonne and I at the cabin live on in memories (and pictures😳). Lifelong friend like Lori are rare. I’m so grateful to have known Lori.  I look forward to sharing memories and stories of Lori at her celebration of life in April.  With love, Alyson
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