BULGER, Vera Merle (née McLaughlin)

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Vera Merle Bulger, in Ottawa, on May 1, 2020 after 90 years of wonderful life. A cherished daughter to the late Robert and Mabel McLaughlin of North Bay; Merle was born on February 11, 1930, in North Bay, where she spent her childhood shared with her younger brother, the late Alfred Neil McLaughlin of Bancroft. In her youth she was a skilled gymnast, her performances were recorded in the North Bay Nugget. Merle even performed for Germans in the Prisoner of War Camps of Northern Ontario during the War. Merle went on to become a Registered Nurse at Hamilton General (class of 1953), and, was nursing when she met Bazil, in Toronto, through friends, on a blind date. She and Bazil settled in Ottawa after Bazil’s graduation from Osgoode Law School and raised a family together. With a busy home of four children, she managed to provide more than her fair share of love, support, and attention to her entire family. She was a dedicated, committed, and proud Wife, Mother, and family Matriarch. The family spent many happy summers together at their cottage on the Mclaughlin family tree lot along the Ottawa River near Westmeath. Merle was forever grateful for the happy years she shared with her beloved and loving husband William Bazil. They did, they saw, and they achieved a great deal in their path along life’s way. They had much success in life and shared many travels including trips to Mexico and throughout in the United States. The adventures they shared with their loving family and many dear friends gave them much happiness for which they were forever grateful. In later years she travelled to Playa Carmen, Pennsylvania (quilt hunting Sherida and Jirina!), China to bring one of her new daughter-in-law and granddaughter back to Canada, and several cruises through the Caribbean. Most recently, this past Christmas, she was cruising through the Panama Canal with Sherida and her close friend and walking companion Alison Instance. Throughout her life she maintained an enthusiasm for knitting, needlework and embroidery, making many incredible and beautiful tapestries. Merle and Bazil enjoyed Ballroom dancing and travelled to Blackpool, UK for the intentional competition. Her children Brendon Neil (Jirina), Sherida Jane (Burns Giddings), Robert Derrick (Leona Leduc) and William Daryl (Changli Feng) deeply miss her. She was extremely proud of her grandchildren Veronica Bulger, Christina (Michael Cameron), Jennifer Giddings, Angela (Al Morrison), Gabriel Bulger-Briere, Miasya, Philip (Ty Matte) and Zoe Michele. Merle was also loved and will be missed by Brendon and Jirina’s foster daughter Crystal Revette (Jeff Menard) and family (Des’ree and Olivia). Merle enjoyed the company of, and looked forward watching the growth of, her great-grandchildren: Atalya Giddings-Guidon, Persephone "Sophie" Clark, Audrey, Isla, and Felix Cameron. As McLaughlin family Matriarch see was also a loving aunt to Neil’s children: Linda, Charles, Sandra, Valerie, Michael, and Devin and their families. Due to the pandemic, a private interment will be held. A celebration of life will be held at a future date. Our thanks to Dr Anna Romanova and the staff of the Ottawa General Hospital for the care and support during the last days. In lieu of flowers a donation to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation would be appreciated. Condolences and memories may be shared at