Leaving a Legacy: Spotlight on Retiring Member Merna Boychuk

 

Spotlight on Retiring Member:

Merna Boychuk for 14 1/2 Years of Service

 

What We’ll Remember: 

For the past five years, I have had the privilege of working closely with Merna while she served as the administrative assistant in our office. Merna is truly one of the biggest-hearted people I know — always ready with support, encouragement, a kind word, or a much-needed heart-to-heart.
I will always love the little sparkle in Merna’s eye when she is feeling mischievous. Her fun-loving nature has brought lightness to so many moments, especially when we needed it most. She is also one of the hardest-working people I have ever met — the only person I know who could put on a Band-Aid, answer the phone, unlock the safe, answer the door, count change, and handle 7,000 interruptions all at once. And I can guarantee that her change count was still correct every single time.
Merna has seen me through some really difficult moments, and I will forever be grateful for her support, her kindness, and the way she always made time to stop, listen, and care. She is a gift to everyone who knows her. I will miss her dearly, but I know she will fill her days with the family she loves so much.
We are so thankful for all the years that Merna’s family lent her to us, because she has truly been the glue that held us together.
Christine Martens

My first memory of Merna was when we went on our teacher trip to NewYork.  We were roomies.  There were so many adventures that we had in New York: Broadway, hop on hop off bus, Yankees game,Times Square and so many more.  All my other fond memories of Merna are surrounded in ones of helping and support – a call to the office was always started with ‘hello office’.  Or if it was chaos down there it was ‘Hello, Wainwright Elementary.’  That’s when you knew your request or querie better be a good one as there were pressing matters happening already.  No matter the situation, Merna was able to help me out with grace and a smile.   So thankful for her!
Jodi Valleau 

Right from the start, Merna was a perfect addition to WES.  She is very friendly by nature, and because of her many adventures, volunteering, and family life she is able to relate to everyone on some level.   We have had countless conversations about good memories of family events, cousins, and friends she’s made along the way.  She is quick to lend a helping hand wherever it is needed, no matter what it is.  Throughout her time at WES, she has continued to learn more, even in her final month she asks questions because she wants to help however she can. She inspires the people around her to be better and do better.  Merna and I have had many conversations over the years about life, family, traveling, and dreams for the future.  She has a zest for life and with retirement, she’ll get to realize some of those travels and dreams.  I wish her the best and am excited to hear about many more adventures to come!
One of my all time favourite things about her is how she is an amazing, supportive Grandma to Tavis and Ainsley.  She is so proud of them, and is not afraid to tell everyone.  She makes it to as many games or events as she can, and if she can’t she phones them to see how they did.  She has role-modeled for me the type of grandparent I want to be and I think we should all hope to have this kind of relationship with our grandchildren.
Paula Wells

Parting Thoughts from Merna: 

This is a bittersweet time in my life. If you have met me you know that I have loved working at Wainwright Elementary School for the last 14 1/2 years. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with the most amazing, heartfelt and hardworking people. Special hugs to you, Paula. I’ve  loved meeting all of the students and their families that have passed through the hallways of WES. I’ve been blessed to see my two grandchildren go through their Elementary school years and have fun with them doing it. I’m now going to keep these people as friends and move forward looking after myself, my family and hopefully do a little traveling, camping and fun. Thank you so much for all of the memories.

 

From all of us, thank you for your years of dedication, compassion, and service. Enjoy your retirement — you’ve earned it.

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