Obituary of Merle Burns

It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of Merle Burns, of Windsor, who passed away peacefully at the age of 84 with her loving family by her side. Merle is predeceased by her devoted husband and best friend, James (Chick, 2013) of 47 years. She will be sadly missed by her dearest sons Brad (Dawn), and Greg (Adèle). She was a proud "Nana" of her cherished grandson, Aidan and his fiancée Misi, and predeceased by her dearest grandson Brendan.

Merle will be sadly missed by her sister-in-law Marion Godkin (late Lavern), brothers-in-law Pat Burns (late Bernice), and Ronnie (Sharon) as well as many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by her parents Edmund and Olive Godkin (Medd), Stepmother Ida (McClinchey) Godkin, and siblings Mervin Godkin (June), Lavern Godkin, Olene Dennis (Murray), Audrey Beuermann (Lloyd), and Lois Sinclair (Glen); sisters-in-law Joanne Arnold (Alec), Mary Loretta Burns and brother-in-law Thomas Burns (Rita) and Robert Burns (Betty).

Merle was raised on a farm in Huron County and always maintained an interest in the crops and harvest. She and Chick met on a blind date on New Years Eve and never looked back. They were each other's best friends and truly cherished their time together, especially taking delight in raising their two sons, spending weekends and holidays at their trailer or later at their cottage in Ipperwash. Merle was a nurse and had fond memories of working at St. Joseph's Hospital in Sarnia for many years. Merle and Chick moved to Windsor in 2001 to be closer to family. Aidan held a special place in her heart, and she treasured every moment they shared.

A special thanks is extended to the Doctors and Nurses at Windsor Regional Hospital - Ouellette Campus ER, telemetry unit and CCU. Also, the 5th and 10th floors at London University Hospital for their compassion and care shown to Merle and her family during her brief stay there.

In accordance with Merle's wishes, cremation has taken place.

A memorial visitation will be held at Windsor Chapel - Banwell Chapel (11677 Tecumseh Rd E) on Wednesday, August 19th, 2026, from 10am until the time of service at 12pm. Merle will be interred with her husband again, at Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery in Sarnia at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Merle's memory may be made out to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Canadian Cancer Society, which are causes that are especially meaningful to our family.

Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at windsorchapel.com