MD, MEd, FRCPC Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Assistant Dean, Academy for Innovation in Medical Education, University of Ottawa.
Peacefully Sunday at the Ottawa home she shared with her soul-mate Peter Bruneau. Sister, daughter-and-sister-in-law, cool aunt, teacher, mentor, friend, runner, lover of gourmet cooking and life celebrations, Calabogie Lake cottager, Newfoundlander, knitter, world traveller. Born in Channel-Port-aux-Basques, raised at the Cape Ray lighthouse, Meridith’s light and smile shone in the lives of many. She completed medical studies at Memorial University of Newfoundland and residency at the University of Ottawa. A specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation, Meridith brought her healing hands and calming touch to clinical practice at the Rehabilitation Centre in Ottawa with a focus on amputee rehabilitation and an unwavering commitment to excellence in medical education. Recognized and honoured by multiple clinical care and teaching awards which marked her local and national contributions, Meridith was assistant dean at AIME where she promoted the academic pursuit of medical education. Her dedication inspired and shaped students, residents and physician peers. Predeceased by mother Mary (nee: Simms) and father Arthur “Bun” Marks of Cape Ray, Newfoundland, and by daughter Hayley of Ottawa. Leaving to mourn her family including (her darling) sister Beverly Marks, brother-in-law Ross Durnford, nephew Ben, Port-aux-Basques, aunt Angie (Marks) Palchuk, of Cambridge, Ontario, uncles Jack (Ruth) Marks of Corner Brook, Newfoundland , Llewlyn (Bernice) Marks of Codroy, Newfoundland, and Frank (Helen) Marks of London Ontario, dear in-laws Angus and Jean Bruneau, St. John’s, Stephen and Mary Bruneau, David and Laura, St. John’s, Ian and Jill Bruneau, Alex, Timothy and Samantha, St. John’s. Sharing in this loss are her wide circle of dear friends and associates including Calabogie Lakers, physicians, neighbours, students and the Sunday dinner family. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to Plan International’s initiative, “Because I Am A Girl,” (www.tinyurl.com/meridithmarks) which promotes poverty-eradication through the education of young girls and women.
Services will be held at St. John’s and Cape Ray at a later date. A Memorial Service was held at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street, (at O’Connor), Ottawa, on Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 11 a.m.
Condolences/Tributes at mcgarryfamily.ca