Lilian Muriel Merg left this earthly life Friday, Aug. 8, 2014. Her instructions were for a “brief obituary.” As the oldest child and, therefore, somewhat stubborn, I will defy her wishes this one last time.

Lilian was born to Thomas and Lillian (Hothersall) Hunt in their home in Preston, England, on Oct. 11, 1932. She immigrated to Canada in 1957 and then to the States a year later. Lilian raised her family in California while using her amazing organizational skills to keep many business offices running efficiently. She retired to Whidbey Island in 1995 with her best friend and husband, Horst Ulrich Merg, to whom she was married on May 17, 1958. He preceded her in leaving this life on Feb. 12, 2004.

Lilian was an avid gardener, bringing her love of the English garden with her from her homeland. Her gardens were always filled with flowering bushes, lush green trees and, yes, a fairy at the bottom of the garden. She was accomplished in needlepoint, sewing and knitting and always had some project in the basket. Lilian and Horst were adventuresome travelers, visiting their homelands regularly as well as places like China, Russia, New Zealand, the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon Rain Forest. Lilian was a volunteer at the Oak Harbor Senior Center and enjoyed her Friday pinochle games.

Lilian is survived by her children, Catherine Passey and Mike (Jen) Merg; her grandchildren, Heather, Megan and Joshua Passey; her siblings, Cyril (Maureen) Hunt, Kathleen (John) Pearson, Norman (Sheila) Hunt and Richard (June) Hunt; her in-law siblings, Annelore Merg, Wilfred (Trudl) Merg and Klaus Merg; 16 nieces and nephews; and many wonderful neighbors and friends.

In accordance with Lilian’s wishes, there will be no funeral/memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Oak Harbor Senior Center Foundation. Thank you to the wonderful medical staff at Whidbey General for their loving care and to Burley Funeral Chapel for their kind attention.