Our dear Molly, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family.
Molly was a small town girl at heart, having been raised in Weyburn, Sask. and Cranbrook, B.C. She then moved to Vancouver to further her education, before moving to Victoria to finish her teaching degree. After graduating, Molly taught elementary students at a one-room schoolhouse in Oak Bay. Molly loved her life in Victoria, which is where she met her husband Alex Davyduke, and together, they laid down roots, made many friends, and raised their six children. Molly and Alex appreciated the beauty of Vancouver Island and often took the family camping. Molly loved the summer sun, often taking her children to the local lakes during summer break: for her this was paradise.
Molly taught elementary school for over 30 years, primarily at Tillicum Elementary. She loved her work as both a teacher and librarian and all the good friends and students she met along the way.
After Alex passed away, Molly met and married George Mitchell spending many happy years together. She retired from teaching and George and Molly built a new home together and spent time traveling until his death. Molly enjoyed travel; many of those trips with her great friend Pat Young and her dear friend and companion Bill Thompson. Molly’s adventurous spirit often took her off the beaten path.
Molly loved spending time with her adored grandchildren, Tayler, James, Allie, Rhea and enjoyed being a soccer grandma. Molly loved playing bridge throughout her life and her many wonderful bridge friends.
We will all miss Molly’s beautiful smile, her cheerfulness and grace. She will be in our hearts forever.
Molly is predeceased by her parents Joseph and Edith Mergens, brother Mike Mergens (Linda), husband Alex Davyduke (1983) daughter Christine Davyduke (2015). She is also predeceased by husband George Mitchell and long-time friend Bill Thompson.
Molly leaves behind her daughter, Cathy May (Bill) son, Alexander (Joe) Davyduke, daughters Megan Parris (Godfrey Stephens), Beth Davyduke (Darryl Mar), Susan Grieve and dear niece Lynda Brown. Also, brothers Peter Mergens (Marjorie) and Joseph Mergens (Vicki). Molly has two great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.
A special thank you to Molly’s special friends and caregivers, Elda and Ling, and the dedicated staff at Island Health.
A private celebration of Molly’s life will be held in the summer.
Tributes, if desired, many be made to the Alzheimer Society of B.C.
https://alzheimer.ca/bc/en
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
www.mccallgardens.com
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Joseph Edward Mergens , MD
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Linda Mergens I was so saddened to hear this news. Deepest condolences to all the family. Holding you close in my thoughts and hoping you are doing okay. I like to believe that Mike and her parents were there to welcome her. May you find comfort in knowing that others care.
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Judy (Vaio) Chamberlain Best. Teacher. Ever. I was in Miss Mergens Grade 3 class at Oak Bay Elementary in 1953. It was at the location of the Oak Bay Municipal Hall today, and had been the original Oak Bay High site. It had six classrooms and a dirt floor in the basement where we had to shelter during rainy lunch hours and recesses. That year we studied the local First Nations culture and we made a totem pole out of used ice cream containers- the big commercial ones. We cut strips of newspaper and soaked them in a glue mixture (plaster of paris?) and smoothed them on the pole. Then we painted the totem. I remember her mother coming to visit her at lunch time and after school. I am 77 now and the lessons I learned from Miss Mergens have stayed with me all my life. I am so lucky to have had her as my teacher. Judy (Vaio) Chamberlain
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Barrie Foster Dear Megan, Cathy, Joe, Beth and Susie,
We will all miss Molly forever. She was such a good friend, great teacher and loving mother. Our to hell with the Bell, Bridge games on Monday mornings, after we retired, were so much fun and we loved her butter tarts and great sense of humour. I know you will be happy that her sad days are over. Look after each other and have many days remembering what a loving mother you had.
In harmony, Barrie
My sister Molly was everything a big sister could be. Beautiful, fun, and a courageous leader when it came to dealing with life’s difficulties. Her love and values were successfully passed on to her children and were returned to her via the care she received as she diminished. We miss your bright light.