Craven, Meri (nee Mary Victoria Jackson) -

On 1st May 2010 at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. Meri (always Mary to her parents Herbert Busby Jackson and Jessie Elizabeth Neill) was born in Hamilton on the 13th of September 1923. Although she frequently escaped to the Muskokas and Cedar Springs in the summers, Meri spent her early years in Hamilton where she attended Westdale Secondary School and McMaster University. Her passion for the broadcast industry was fostered at CKOC.

Meri's first husband, Frederick Vincent "Fred" Brennan, was killed in WW2 on active duty in 1945. Her second husband, Robert Oren "Bob" Craven, died in 1998. Meri is survived by her three children - Frederick Vincent "Rick" Brennan (Jennifer Maureen Hawkesworth) of Delta, BC; Robert Jackson Neill Craven (Lynn Du Boulay) of Mississauga; and Barbara Jean Craven (Vernon Jackson) of Vancouver - five grandchildren Matthew Julian Brennan, Michael Frederick Brennan (Shannon Lercher), Alyson Maureen Brennan (Andrew Czuczor), Catherine Elisabeth Rachel Craven, and Taylor Scott Craven Jackson - and four great grandchildren - Lilah Ashley Rose Brennan, Max Frederick Brian Brennan, Kate Maureen Czuczor, Sophie Beatrice Czuczor.

Meri was predeceased by her two younger siblings - Herbert Neill "Bud" Jackson (1981) and Elizabeth Anne "Squib" MacKay (1995).

Meri was most proud of and would like to be remembered for her years in broadcasting, both on- and off-air. While working for CKGN/CFCH in North Bay, Meri was a pioneer of live television as host of the popular Meri Craven Show and one of the first morning shows, The ClockWatchers. In her varied career, she reported for the North Bay Nugget and managed the landmark Sunset Cove Lodge on Lake Nipissing.

In all aspects of her life, she developed lifelong friends. And if you were among her many friends and relatives, you could not escape her thirst to learn everything about you. Regrettably, the inquisition is over.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend a celebration of Meri's life at SMITH'S FUNERAL HOME, 1167 Guelph Line, (one block north of the QEW) BURLINGTON,ON.,(905-632-3333)on 29th May between 4 and 8 PM. Bring your anecdotes and pictures. Tears of laughter only!