With profound sorrow for our loss yet immeasurable gratitude for her long life, we announce that Merle O’Hara (née Romney) passed away, aged 111 years, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at Haro Park Centre, her home for the last 12 years. She was among the five oldest people in Canada and the oldest known living Jamaican-born individual at the time of her death.
Merle entered the world in 1912 in Kingston, Jamaica, the third child of Ernest and Eva Romney. In addition to her adored parents, she outlived dear siblings Gertrude, Frank and Patricia and brother-in-law Jackie Thwaites. Her beloved husband, Daniel (“Benny”) O’Hara, died in 1980. Merle cherished their memories as well as those of many other departed loved ones, including son-in-law William Milner, eldest grandchild Robert Milner and niece Rosalie Hardy.
A free spirit, Merle was strong, resilient and fun. She laughed, loved and lived fully until her last days, inspiring all who knew her—including her Instagram fans—with her extraordinary joie de vivre. She will be greatly missed by the Haro Park staff and residents, her friends and her family: daughter Bridget; grandchildren Colin (Julie), Jenifer and Susan; great-grandchildren Holly (Scott), Amanda (Jon), Cassidy and Tyla; great-great-granddaughters Kyleigh and Savannah; and many nephews, nieces and cousins around the world. Her death marks the end of an era for her immediate and extended families.
Thank you to everyone for their kind condolences and to all at Haro Park who cared for and about Merle, especially her friend, sidekick and “personal photographer,” Robert LeMoal. Family, friends, residents and staff will be invited to a service to take place at Haro Park to remember and celebrate Merle’s life. Donations in her memory or in lieu of flowers may be made to Union Gospel Mission in Vancouver or to a charity of your choice.
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Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.vancouvercrematorium.com for the O'Hara family.
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