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Posted Jun 22, 2026 | 4:17 PM
Merin Abigail Taft, 16, of Brighton, Ontario, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, after a brief illness, surrounded by her adoring family and the hearts of all those who loved her.
Born in Belleville, Ontario, in 2009 to her mom, Kim Bourdeau, and her dad, Jeremy Taft, Merin was soon singing a soundtrack to accompany every day. A born entertainer, music, art, and acting were in Merin’s soul. She cultivated her artistic talents at East Northumberland Secondary School and with the Northumberland Players community theatre.
Merin was always thinking of others; making people happy made her happy. Her compassion extended to animals, and, focused on becoming a veterinarian, she volunteered at local animal hospitals and kennels. Merin loved her community and spent much of her free time volunteering with the Rotary Club of Trenton, Rotary Club of Brighton, and the Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation. Merin was also an avid and accomplished baker who loved nothing more than spending the day in the kitchen preparing food for family and friends.
Merin is survived by her parents, Jeremy and Kim, and her older brother, Cameron Bourdeau. She is also lovingly remembered by her grandma Laurie Taft of Quinte West; papa Gary Foster of Quinte West; her uncle Matthew Taft of Quinte West; Gerry and Christine Foster (uncle and aunt) of Stratford; her great-grandmother Anne Thorne of Brighton; her aunt Nancy Winstanley of Havelock; her uncle Steve Rooke of Coldwater; and her aunt Susan Kemp of Lanark. Those who were close to Merin and who predeceased her include her nana Barb Foster; her grandpa Clayton Taft; and her aunt Georgie Rooke.
Merin was a Grade 11 student at East Northumberland Secondary School. She loved her friends like family (they know who they are!) and is mourned by them and by the entire school community.
Merin’s family shared these beautiful words with friends: “Merin was the light of our lives, and we promise you that light will continue to shine.”
A Celebration of Life will be held later in July. Details will be announced as they become available.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation.