Obituary of Merle Schwab
Eileen Emily Merle Schwab
"Merle"
October 9, 1943 – August 13, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Eileen Emily Merle Schwab, known lovingly to family and friends as Merle. She passed peacefully on August 13, 2026, at Fort St. John Hospital. After a courageous three-year battle with ovarian cancer with loving husband Marty always at her side.
Merle was born on October 9, 1943, in Tuxford, Saskatchewan, to Thomas and Emily McConaghy. She spent her childhood with brother Lorne in Beatty Saskatchewan. In September 1963, she moved to Scott, Saskatchewan, for her first teaching job where she met a young bus driver named Martin "Marty" Schwab. What began as a chance meeting grew into a love story that would span more than six decades. They were married on December 27, 1965, and together built a life filled with love, laughter, and family.
Their daughter, Valerie, was born on October 24, 1967. In September 1969, Merle and Marty moved to Fort St. John, British Columbia, where they kept the town moving and its children learning for the next 57 years. Their son, Marco, was born on April 28, 1975, completing their family.
Merle was a teacher through and through. She devoted her life to helping children learn, grow, and believe in themselves. During her distinguished career, she taught at Grandhaven Elementary, Central Elementary, Ambrose Elementary, and C.M. Finch Elementary. Later, she operated a teacher supply store before returning to education as a Hospital Homebound Teacher and eventually a Home School Facilitator. Whether in a classroom, a hospital room, or around a kitchen table, Merle had a gift for making every child feel valued, capable, and important. She retired in June 2003 after touching countless lives through her dedication to education.
Above all else, Merle's heart belonged to her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother, and a loyal friend. Her home was always open and welcoming. The smell of fresh baking often drifted from her kitchen, and there was always room for one more at the table. She loved tending her garden, playing cards, camping and traveling with family and friends.
Following retirement, Merle and Marty spent the next 23 years dividing their time between Fort St. John, British Columbia, and Yuma, Arizona doing all the things they loved.
People, especially children naturally gravitated to Merle, and she had a gift for making everyone feel loved, valued, and important. She leaves behind 30 plus cherished "chosen grandchildren," each loved as if they were her own.
Merle was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Emily McConaghy; her mother-in-law, Agnes Schwab; dear friends Victoria and Walter Malanowich; and her beloved special granddaughter, Steffanya Doetzel, whose memory she carried close to her heart.
She leaves her loving husband of more than 60 years, Marty Schwab; daughter Valerie Riddle (Rich); son Marco Schwab (Karen); grandchildren Tahia and Elan Schwab; her 30 plus cherished and chosen grandchildren; as well as extended family, friends, and former students, all of whom brought immense light and laughter to her life.
Through her kindness, patience, and unwavering belief in others, Merle left the world a little brighter than she found it. Her love lives on in the family she cherished, the students she inspired, and the countless lives she touched along the way. Though she is gone from our sight, she remains forever present in our hearts.
The family wishes to thank the doctors especially Dr Wright and Dr Abbas, nurses, and staff of Fort St. John Hospital for the care, compassion, and support they provided throughout her illness.
Though we will miss her deeply, we take comfort in knowing that her love, laughter, and gentle spirit remain with us always.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of the Resurrection, Fort St. John, British Columbia, with lunch to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation Cancer Fund in Merle's memory. To make a contribution in Merle's honour, click HERE.
