Merle Doreen Adamson (nee Darke) Obituary

October 16th, 1922 – May 25, 2026

After an amazing life of 103 years, Merle died on May 25th, 2026. She leaves behind a family who loved her dearly and who will forever cherish the memories that they share.

Merle was predeceased by her loving husband, Jim, her brothers, Bev & Ross (Lorraine) and by her sister Donna (Harold). She is remembered by her children Barry (Brenda), Bob (Judi), Bonnie (Ron) and Beverley (Brian), grandchildren Brent (Andrea), Barrileigh (Richard), Jon (Kate), Robin (Connie), Christa (Al), Ian (Linsey), Shannon (Andrew), Tracy (Lorne) and great-grandchildren Ben, Owen, Noah, Ellie, Lachlan, Theo, Claire, Angus, Abby, Tristan, Charlie, Emma, Sofia, Shay and Alex and by many nieces, nephews and family friends.

Merle’s love of life was evident in everything that she did.  She was a loving wife, mother, Nana and Great Nana. She was a gracious hostess for every occasion. Merle was a great cook with large gatherings being her specialty. She trained the family on how to host parties.

She had a flare for creating. Her stained-glass butterflies are found on walls in her children’s homes, and her hand quilted bedspread was with her until the end. She was great at decorating and thinking up projects for Jim to build.

Music was a big part of her life. Jim and Merle loved to dance, and she loved to sing with her brother, Ross, around a campfire.

In 1950, she helped build their first home in North York. Merle and Jim lived there for 33 years, raising their four children and entertaining friends.  In 1972 they built their cottage at Port Britain. In 1983 the cottage was renovated into their home for their retirement.

Merle was active in her community. She volunteered at the Second Helping Store for Big Sisters. Her favourite job was decorating the store window.

She was an active member of the Port Hope Probus Club. She supported the Port Hope Rotary Club and local Diabetic organization.

We wish to thank the staff at both Empire Crossing and Extendicare Port Hope for their care of Merle. Her nurses and PSWs became companions who called her by name when they came to see her or passed her in the hallway. 

Please join the family for all or part of the afternoon as we say goodbye to Merle and as we celebrate her amazing life.

Graveside Service:

1:00 pm. Friday, June 12th, 2026 

Wesleyville Cemetery   

2082 Lakeshore Road, Port Hope

Visitation: 

1:30 pm. Beverley & Brian Hunter’s

(refreshments provided) 1044 E Port Britain Road, Port Hope

Sharing Memories: 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Wesleyville Cemetery would be deeply appreciated by the family.

Cheques can be made to Wesleyville Cemetery, 1044 E, Port Hope, ON L1A 3V7 or an E-transfer can be sent to

wesleyvillecemetery@aprod.com