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- Obituary:
Louanna D. DeMerchant
1950-2025
The death of Louanna Dawn DeMerchant, of Monquart, NB occurred on September 29th, 2025 at the Upper River Valley Hospital in Waterville, NB. Louanna was born on February 1, 1950 and was the daughter of the late Arnold and Iva Reeleder and wife to Howard DeMerchant. She was also predeceased by her first husband, Paul Salmon and two stepdaughters, Cindy Salmon and Susan Salmon-Watson.
Louanna is survived by her husband, Howard; Stepchildren, Tanya Kenney (Doug), Lee DeMerchant (Cheryl) and Sandy Gagnon, Step Grandchildren, Candace Salmon, Bradley Watson, Emily and Hunter Kenney, Isaac and Sarah DeMerchant; 2 Sisters, Mernie Rideout and Glenda White (Joseph); many Sisters and Brothers-in-laws, as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.
As many of you know, Louanna was a slow-moving soul, but that did not mean she did not move some mountains in her life! After graduating from high school, she left Carleton County for the big city of Moncton where she attended Atlantic Baptist Bible College but that was a short trip compared to the one she made a few years later. Trans World Radio needed an office worker so, Louanna boarded a plane and made her way to Hong Kong. While she was there two Lakeville sisters; Gail and Lorianne Graham made their way over for a visit which meant the world to her. Even though she spent most of her adult life working in NB, the longest amount of time with Carleton Enterprises, Louanna never got over being proud of her courage to go alone to Hong Kong and work for an organization that is still in existence today.
Paul Salmon entered Louanna’s life and after the first date there was no turning back. They dated for many years and at last, with the coaxing of his sisters Pat and Barb, Paul proposed. He was retired and Louanna loved going to work knowing she would come home to a meal all cooked for her! A big adventure they had was a trip to NFLD with Candace and Bradley, Paul’s grandchildren that she considered her’s as well. I believe they filled two albums with photos!
Louanna spent the next number of years loving and investing in her sisters Mernie and Glenda as well as many nieces, nephews. Calls (yes, everyday as some of you know!) cards, a listening ear and drives in the country were all a part of her joy. She always had time for family or friends, (too many to name but Wilda is at the top for longest friend!) who needed her or just wanted to chat. Travelling with her sister-in -law Joanne, (whom she considered like a sister) was always a great source of joy. In the last number of years, she survived two life threatening sicknesses and…she did not complain. She just leaned on her faith in Christ. This never wavered though the journey was not easy. Knowing that Jesus loved her gave her joy and peace that did pass understanding.
Before all was said and done, love was to find Louanna once more. She met Howard on a blind date at The Ark one beautiful fall day in 2022. The next day he arrived at her home sporting a red muscle shirt and a cup of coffee. Louanna leaned over and whispered to her friend Janet “Do you think he will come every day?!” And that he did. Eight months later they got engaged with plans to be married the following year but before we knew it, they were married in a month! Louanna was 73 and Howard was 75. This too took faith and courage to mesh lives and love each in the middle of the reality of ageing. God gave them two years of laughter, more family to love, especially Emily and Hunter, bowling, bible study, eating out, and even a trip to BC. Yes, she was definitely slow moving, but in so many other ways…not!
For those of us who know and love Louanna, and as we focus on the wonderful things about her, we would say that she was a person who loved God and she loved people. She was merciful even when it was not deserved. She did not judge and did not even have to think about forgiving someone- it was a just a part of who she was. If Louanna would read this, we know she would say, “ It is because God loved me that I could be all of this”.
We would like to especially thank Pastor Steve and his wife Becky. Their commitment to Louanna and Howard was absolutely amazing. They arrived every day at least once, and many times twice, staying until early hours of the morning…just in case. And to all the sweet nurses who showed such gentle care and compassion. You made the burden of this long and difficult journey not so heavy, and we thank you.
Visitation will be held from L.R. Giberson Funeral Directors, 207 Burnham Rd. Florenceville-Bristol, NB, on Saturday, October 4th, 2025 from 1:00 - 2:30 pm. Funeral service will follow at 3:00 pm from the L.R. Giberson Funeral Chapel with Pastor Steve Urquart officiating. Interment will be in the Wharton Cemetery in Upper Kent. For those who wish, memorial donations made to Shiktehawk Bible Camp, Grace Baptist Church, Wharton Cemetery or donor’s choice would be appreciated.
https://www.gibersonfuneraldirectors.ca/obituaries/187745
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Carleton County - Genealogy, Family History & Heritage
1950 - 2025 (75 years)
George REELEDER
