Obituary of Merilee Charbonneau

March 22, 1947 – December 18, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that Merilee’s family announces that she passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of family at the Bonnechere Manor on Thursday December 18, 2024.

Merilee Martha Charbonneau of Arnprior, Ontario was 77.

Daughter of the late Allan A. and Martha (nee Roper) McLean.

Beloved wife and best friend of the late Paul Charbonneau (May 19, 2020).

Merilee is survived by her children Marc (Johanna) of Brockville and Erin (Carlos) of Kinburn and her grandchildren Thomas, Amelia and Ryane.

Cherished by her siblings Arthur McLean (Pat) of Arnprior, Ross McLean (Nancy) of Westport, Gail McCann of Ottawa, Scott McLean (Susan) of Perth and Rubina Dick (late Ed) of Buckingham.

Predeceased by her sister, Bonnie Bews (Graeme).

Merilee will be lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

A public school teacher for many years she will be fondly remembered by students and fellow teachers from schools across Renfrew County including McNab,

Central Public School in Renfrew as well as Walter Zadow, Alexander Reid and AJ Charbonneau schools in Arnprior.

In addition to her love of family and teaching, Merilee enjoyed gardening in her leisure time and friends and family would be the benefactors

of beautiful bouquets of some of her favourites including peonies and irises.

A resident of Arnprior her whole life except the final two years where she was a resident of Bonnechere Manor in Renfrew. 

She displayed great courage and humility in the face of illness and her determined spirit never wavered. 

A thoughtful and compassionate person who championed others and was delighted to share in their happy news and successes.

The family would like to express heartfelt appreciation to the many staff of the Manor who cared for Merilee and showed deep respect and affection for our sister, mom and grandma.

Merilee’s final care has been entrusted to the

Pilon Family Funeral Home and Chapel Ltd., 50 John Street North, Arnprior.

A private interment will take place in the family plot at the Malloch Road Cemetery, Arnprior and a Celebration of Life will be held springtime 2025.

Please take a moment to share your thoughts, condolences and memories with Merilee’s family through our website.

In memory of Merilee, please consider a donation to the Bonnechere Manor Foundation or Arnprior Regional Health Foundation.