The following messages of condolence and symbols
have been added in memory of Merle.

Aunty Merle,
You were one special lady who will be remembered fondly. Thanks so much for what you did for Charmaine my dear Sister. You were a true kind hearted beautiful lady and I am glad I met you and saw when I visited Aileen and Sammy. You are at peace now with Uncle Ray. If you see my Gareth, please give him a big hug and kiss from me. This is not goodbye, it is I will see you again one day.
Lots of special love from
Ross, Helen, Ryan, Brett, Gareth and Mitchell Laurent

My deepest sympathy to Merle’s family.

Merle was a very special lady and so very kind.

When my granddaughter had her first communion Merle gave me Rosary Beads to send to her and when my great grandson was born she did beautiful knitting.

I was so sorry that a long awaited medical appointment prevented me from attending her service.

We will miss her at bridge. Requiescat in Pace

You leave us with very fond memories and with a firm sense of love for our family
Aunty Merle rest now in the hands of our Lord.

Mother's Never Really Die

Death beckoned her with outstretched hand
And whispered softly of an unknown land
But she was not afraid to go
For though the path she did not know
She took death's hand without fear
For he who safely brought her here
Had told he would lead the way into eternity's bright day
And so she did not go alone
Into the valley thats unknown
She gently took death by the hand
And journeyed to the promised land
And there with steps so light and gay
She polishes the sun by day
And lights the starts that shine at night
And keeps the moon beams silvery bright
For Mother's never really never die-
They just keep house up in the sky
And in the heavenly home above
They wait to welcome those they love

Today, we gather to celebrate the life of my very special mom- Merle Howden, a woman whose kindness and love knew no bounds. Although she had biological children of her own, she opened her heart and home to me, adopting me at an early age and showing me the true meaning of love and family.

My Mom was a beacon of warmth and generosity. Her kindness was like no other, and she always supported and encouraged me, no matter what challenges life threw out way. Her love was unwavering, and her guidance helped shape the person I am today.

Though I am deeply saddened that I could not be there in person to say goodbye, please know that my heart is with you all especially my brothers and sister.

Mom, you are in my thoughts, and I will keep you close to my heart for the rest of my life. Your spirit will continue to inspire and guide me, just as it always has.

Thank you for everything, Mom. I am forever grateful for the love and care you bestowed upon me. Rest in peace, knowing that your legacy of kindness and love will live on through all of us who were fortunate enough to have known you. Please give Dad a kiss for me.

Your loving daughter, Charmaine.

So sad to learn of your passing. Deepest sympathy to your family. Was nice to know you through the sale of your former unit 145 in Seacrest Retirement Village.

Our condolences to the Howden Family. Very sad to see my Aunty Merle pass. My love and prayers are with all the family and friends in this very sad time. I can see from the page and from the time that I spent with you in the last year that you were loved and will be missed by all family and friends and that you have left your mark on all of them. Love and prayers to all

Dearest Merle,
You will be sorely missed dear friend. What an amazing lady you were - always dignified and gentle, always smiling despite your pain and troubles, always helping other people. Your example has been an inspiration and we are so grateful for your friendship over the years to ourselves, our children and most especially my Mother, Heather with whom you shared naughty giggles, joyous laughter and secret plans.
Our hearts go our to Aileen, Roderick, Russell and all your family.
Hamba Gashle Merle - love always Jenny, Gavin, Dale & Karen.

Dear Merle RIP . You were a lovely lady and I was lucky to have known you. loved sitting with you on a Wednesday afternoon and doing crosswords and chatting. you were so gracious and brave going through your illness and never complained, your only concern was for your family and how it affected them. There wasn't a selfish bone in your body. you were a loving Great grandmother to my grand children Seth and Conner and you loved them unconditionally and accepted them into your family and I loved you for that. We will all miss you and never forget your love and kindness.

Dear Merle
You were the most gorgeous, wonderful woman. So thoughtful, kind and generous. Always thinking of others, giving and giving and never taking.
I have to thank you so much for contributing hugely to my wonderful life in Perth.
We will all miss you enormously.
Special Love
Sue & Bill Cunliffe xxx

Dearest mum,
Your incredible resilience in the face of adversity, wearing a smile and never complaining, from what we hear, gave us a glimpse of your integrity and faith in God. I loved our few chats over many years, and though limited through our distance apart, your kind spirit and wisdom was never far from my thoughts. The legacy you have left is a shining example for those who loved and aspire to be just like you, as close to perfect as a living soul can be. RIP dear lady, you live in our hearts forever. Love ‘Timmy’, Leanne and the boys Teagan and Kerryn.

Dear Grandma. There are no words to describe how much you will be missed by us all.
Lance and Eliette were so lucky to have got to know their great grandma and looked forward to seeing you every weekend. We are so sad not to be able to spend anymore moments with you but treasure those that we did.
Shaun, Marilyn, Lance & Eliette

Dear Merle,
So very sad to loose a dear friend of many years. Meeting through playing bridge and living in the same retirement village for the last 6 years. I will miss you very much, your kindness and friendship meant a lot to me. I will miss the happy gettogethers with dear friends, but I am happy that your pain and suffering are over. Dearest Merle rest in peace and may God watch over you,
With love Helen

Farewell Mom, you were a gift to us all, a precious sole whose memory will forever be engraved in our hearts. Rest in peace, knowing that your spirit lives on, not just in the memories we hold but the love that binds us now and forever. Never ending Love Aileen, Sammy, Shilo, Brett and Travis xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Merle was one of the most admired residents of Seacrest Retirement Village, always impeccably dressed and very presentable. A devout Catholic, she has the penchant for giving inspiring prayers and words of thankfulness. I am so fortunate to have a close friendship with her and I will surely miss her and so with other players in the Village of bridge she's fond of playing. Vale, my friend. Rest in peace.
My deepest condolences to her family.

I had the privilege of playing bridge with Merle for a number of years. It was a very special time and I loved her dearly. My condolences to the family. She is sorely missed.

It was such an honour to have known Mrs Howden-such a lady .Allen and I spent wonderful times in her company,and have treasured memories of family Christmases and other special occassions. Our deepest condolences are with Aileen,Rod,Russell, and all of the family.
R.I.P Mrs Howden

Dearest Mom,
Your passing has shattered us. We believed / hoped you would make a hundred years. You deserved nothing less, but it was not to be. We would not hold you back and take comfort that you are now free of pain and suffering and are with Dad and all your family who have gone ahead. Your kindness, faith and humour touched the lives of many. A lady to the end. Go with God Mom. Be at peace. Know that you are deeply loved and missed ...... always.
Russell, Yvette, Wade and Kieran (and Rosie and Winnie)