Rebecca Helen Marie Mergaert, born March 14, 1960, left us peacefully on April 22, 2024, after bravely battling brain cancer for five years.
She leaves behind her best friend and partner, John Goulay, who shared her love of the outdoors, music, and adventures. John’s love and devotion truly helped her continue to fight. Her beloved dog Duffy and her cats Lily and Amelia are missing her.
She poured everything she had into raising and instilling strong values into her children, a devoted mother to Brooke (Melissa), Meghan (Alon), Sheehan (Kecia), and Alaysha (Cody). Often was referred as the cool mom, she was much loved by her children and their peers.
Rebecca always brought imagination, magic, and humour as an adored grandmother, affectionately known as Bobo, to her seven littles: Bentley, Emryn, Neorah, Savannah, Ellis, Ezra, and Malika.
Her spirit will live on through family ski trips, camping adventures, dress-up parties, bonfires, and stories.
The youngest of 6 children, Becky will be deeply missed by her sister, Wendy for their deep bond and loving friendship and her brother, Glenn (Debbie). A fun-loving aunt to many, especially Aisha (David) and Myell.
Rebecca is predeceased by her mother Kathleen “Granny” Mergaert, who passed away one month earlier. They shared a special and unbreakable bond. May you be together now stirring up trouble, drinking coffee and watching the birds.
Known for her adventurous spirit, sense of playfulness and fun, love of laughter, and zest for living life to its fullest, Rebecca touched the hearts of all who knew her. Especially her closest friends who were there for her through thick and thin.
A lifelong social worker, she always advocated for those who didn’t speak up for themselves, giving a voice to others who couldn’t find their own. Her unwavering ability of connecting with people regardless of their differences was inspiring and drew people together. She was a confidant and a trusted friend to many people of all walks of life. Becky was always generous, and her nurturing nature created strong communities wherever she went.
She was the life of a party, a hard worker, a swimmer, a teacher, a felter, a soap maker, a dancer, a lover of music, animals, and all things vintage. Her deep love of skiing poured into her kids, grandkids, and everyone she taught as an instructor at Searchmont.
A feisty, determined, and strong-willed woman who cared passionately and without apologies for those close to her heart. She was a rebel at heart, an unlicensed midwife in the 80’s, a doula, an advocate for many causes and always a fierce feminist. Her legacy of determination and grit lives on in her children and grandchildren.
She spent many years living out West in BC and was split between her love of Lake Superior and the West Coast. She found great comfort in her last years at their camp, Superior Solace.
Even during her last days, Rebecca brought light and laughter to those around her with her quick wit and infectious humor. She continued to impart her unsolicited wisdom and love to those close to her, leaving behind a legacy of strength and compassion. Her life ended too short, but her joy of life will be remembered and lived on through her memories by her family and the countless lives she touched.
Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of her remarkable life will be held in Sault Ste. Marie in the summer months for her close family and friends.
Our immense gratitude to the staff at Sault Area Hospital and ARCH Hospice for their thoughtful care for Rebecca over the last 8 months and to her many devoted friends that have visited her over this time.
Memorial donations may be made to ARCH (payable online https://www.archhospice.ca/ or by cheque).
Baamaapii (until later) Bobo, you left us too soon.
A sunbeam to warm you,
A moonbeam to charm you,
A sheltering angel so nothing can harm you.
Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com to leave memories or condolences for the family. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home (215 St. James St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 1P7, 705-759-8456).