MERCHANT (LODGE), VIDA ALICE - of Mader's Cove, Mahone Bay & Halifax, N.S. peacefully in her 95th year, took place on February 9, 2005 at Parkstone Enhanced Care Facility, Halifax. Born in Saint John, N.B. July 1910, she was the eldest daughter of Frank & Florence (Bannister) Lodge. She was employed with the G.E. Barbour Company and in the office of Dr. George White in Saint John. Vida married F. Eric (Ric) Merchant of Halifax in July 1940. In 1946 she founded The "Village Craft Shop" in Brookville, N.B., followed later by "The Teazer" gift shop in Mahone Bay, which she operated until 1972. She is survived by sisters Audrey (Lodge) Strole, Halifax, Doris (Lodge) Dunham, Mahone Bay, and Lois (Lodge) Smith, Bridgewater; brothers in law R.T.P. (Bob) Merchant, Halifax & R. Gordon Smith, Bridgewater; sister in law Sally Merchant of Regina and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces & nephews, as well as many close friends & neighbours. She was predeceased by her husband Ric; sisters Phyllis Lodge & Irene (Lodge) Searle; brothers Ronald, Edward, Fred & Roland Lodge. Arrangements entrusted to Mahone Funeral Home, Mahone Bay. A memorial service celebrating her life will take place Thursday, March 10, 2005 at St. Norbert's Roman Catholic Church, Lunenburg, N.S. Interment at a later date in Bayview Cemetery, Mahone Bay. Donations in Vida's memory may be made to the CNIB, VON, Heart & Stroke Foundation, or a charity of your choice.