Merla Pearl Schmidt Hooper, formerly of Durham, passed away peacefully at Hanover Care Centre on Thursday, November 07, 2019. She was 90.

Born in Bentinck Township on October 19, 1929 to the late Frederick W. and Edith Pearl (nee Mervyn) Schmidt.  Merla was confirmed at First St. Matthew's Church on April 2, 1944 by Pastor Henry Oestreich.  She continued to attend and teach sunday school at First St. Matthew’s for many years. Merla attended Hanover High School, but preferred domestic endeavours.  She was a hard worker and enjoyed helping her mother in the kitchen preparing meals for the hired men who worked on the family farm. She particularly enjoyed crafting and quilting.  Merla began her career at Martha's Ladies Wear in Durham, impressing the importance of fashion and accessorizing to “the nines” on clients. Merla was the epitome of a fashionable bride in 1958 when she married Roy Hooper.  She continued her retail career as an employee in the children’s clothing department at Zellers when it opened in Hanover. The community of Durham knew her well. She appreciated her neighbours, the Zellers Coffee Group, the Ladies Trinity Group and her church family at Durham Presbyterian Church. Merla loved to have a good time. She enjoyed games of crokinole and Skipbo, New Years gatherings at Frank Purves' cottage and many family birthday parties. She showed her love through her thoughtful gift giving and hospitality. Meal preparation meant that you never departed without leftovers for the road. She had a particularly sweet tooth, especially for chocolate, licorice allsorts and neapolitan squares. She offered her heart and love to help serve all, and will be missed dearly by all who knew her.

Dearly loved by sisters Muriel Fleming, Glenna Kopp both of Hanover and Mavis (Norm) Smith of Sault Ste. Marie. Thoughtful and caring aunt to Susan, Sharon, Heather, Carol, Christine, Janice and their families. Predeceased by her parents Frederick and Edith (nee Mervyn) Schmidt, brother in law Harold Fleming and husband Roy Hooper.

Visitation will be held at Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover, on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 from 12 noon until time of a Funeral Service at 1:00 pm. Interment in Hanover Cemetery, Hanover.

Memorial donations to the Durham Presbyterian Church or the Parkinson Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.