MERTINS Shawnalea

1960 – 2012  Shawnalea Anne Mertins, beloved wife of Norbert Mertins of Taber, passed away on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at the age of 52 years.

Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Monday, November 26, 2012 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.  The Funeral Service will be held at Knox United Church, 4929 – 50 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Sandra Riddell officiating. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at www.southlandfuneral.com.  Besides her loving husband Norbert, Shawnalea is survived by their five children Jayleen Mertins (Wade Chapman), Justine Mertins (Chris Brown), Janessa Mertins (Ryan Cunningham), Jennae Mertins (Blair Schmitz), Jesse Mertins and grandson Kaesyn Noah Brown all of Taber. She is also survived by her mother Bev MacDonald of Lethbridge, mother-in-law Heidi Mertins of Kelowna, British Columbia and sister-in-law Sylvia Mertins of Brantford, Ontario. Shawnalea will be remembered by her three siblings Michelle (Brian) Christensen of Lethbridge and children Leland, Brant and Tory; Nolette MacDonald (Renee Scotland) of Kipp; Danielle (Joe) Miko of Raymond and children Chance and Chase and by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.  She was predeceased by her father Lea MacDonald and father-in-law Bruno Mertins.  Shawnalea was born in Taber June 11, 1960. She was raised on the family farm south of Taber. On her twenty third birthday, June 11, 1983, she married her sweetheart Norbert Mertins and together started a family that would result in five beautiful children.  At the time of her passing, Shawnalea was employed at the Good Samaritans Society Linden View facility in Taber. Her family was her treasure and she enjoyed every opportunity they would spend together. She will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered by her family and many friends.  If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Shawnalea’s name may be made directly to the charitable cause of one’s personal choosing.  Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.