Merne Livingstone

MERNE LAYCOCK LIVINGSTONE, aged 91, beloved wife of the late R. Donald Livingstone, passed away peacefully at her daughter's home in Calgary on Wednesday, December 2, 2009. Merne was born May 20, 1918, at Raymond, the daughter of George E. and Fern Laycock who had moved from Utah to farm south of Lethbridge. Merne is survived by four children, 23 grandchildren and 34 great-granchildren. Children are: Don and Marsha Livingstone of Provo, Utah (Kevin, Kirk, Amy, Shannon, Tyler, Kendra, Heidi, Andrew); Louise and Don Brown of Calgary (Darcie, Chris, Carey, Robert); Bruce and Patricia A. Livingstone of Lethbridge (Steve, Matt, Sharon, John, Patricia L.); Bob and Cathy Livingstone of Calgary (Chris, Scott, Shawn, Robin, Trevor, Kirsten). She was predeceased by her husband of nearly 60 years, parents, brothers Harold and Ralph, and granddaughter Janice. She is also survived by a brother, Hugh of Lethbridge, and many nieces and nephews. Merne spent her early years on the family farm then moved to Lethbridge with her family where she completed her schooling and met her sweetheart Don. They married in 1941 on the same day he volunteered to serve in World War II. When he returned from the war they took up their residence in Lethbridge where she raised their four children. Merne was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many positions. She was a great support to Don in his extensive military, community and church service including presiding with him over the England London South Mission for three years where she "mothered" over 500 young missionaries. She also especially enjoyed their years of service as workers in the Cardston Alberta Temple. She was very interested in family history and amassed an extensive collection of research documenting family trees and many life stories. She became a valuable resource for many others throughout the world who were also researching their ancestors. Both Merne and Don took up golf early in life and enjoyed playing together and with family and friends whenever they could. She was an excellent golfer as evidenced by the tournaments and trophies she won. She had a great love and concern for others as demonstrated by her kindness and her remarkable memory for people and names. She was loved by all who knew her. Merne was a kind and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend and will be sadly missed by her family and friends. Friends may meet the family at a reception at the Church immediately following the funeral service on Saturday. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, Lethbridge West Stake Chapel, 560 Highlands Boulevard West with Bishop Gary Seebeck of the Sheran Park Ward officiating. Interment will take place at a private family service at Mountain View Cemetery later that afternoon. Flowers are gratefully declined. Any who wish to make memorial tributes may do so at the Family History Centre of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1912-10 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB T1K 0B7.

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