JO MERRILL
died October 19th 2002. She was born March 11, 1929 in Boise, Idaho, to Helen and Howard Packenham. Jo grew up in Moscow, Idaho, and married Wilson E. (Bill) Merrill in 1948. The Merrill’s emigrated to Canada in 1969 and have lived in Yellow Point, BC for the last thirty-two years. Jo was an artist and poet. She was one of the original artists in the Artists in the Schools program out of Malaspina College. She received the 2002 B.C. Arts and Culture award for the Nanaimo area, recognizing her creative contributions and dedication in bringing art to the community. Survivors include her husband; son Timothy of Nanaimo; sister Polly Quackenbush of Spokane, Washington; and brother Arthur Packenham of Davis, California. Son Michael predeceased her in 1989. A celebration of her life and work is being planned for the coming year.