Marion F. Merritt

Marion Frances Loftus Merritt, 86, of Naples FL and Old Lyme CT, beloved wife and best friend of George H. Merritt, passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2008, at home surrounded by her loving family. Marion was born in Pittsfield MA on June 15, 1922, daughter of Gertrude Gauthier Loftus and Martin Henry Loftus. She graduated from St. Joseph High School as class valedictorian, and from Berkshire Business College. She worked in Catholic Charities as secretary for The Holy Family League from 1942-1945. Marion married George Harrison Merritt at Gulfport Air Force Base in Mississippi on July 13, 1945. Together they raised ten children, making their home at 19 LeMay Street in West Hartford CT for 33 years. Marion was a charter member of St. Peter Claver Church in West Hartford. She was active as a real estate broker with Stafford Associates for ten years. In 1979 she began writing a weekly column for the West Hartford News entitled, "Potpourri." The popular column ran for 18 years and engendered four books. She was also active as an inspirational and entertaining speaker. In 1968 Marion and George purchased a beach home at Old Lyme Shores CT where she served as Property Agent for several years. The beloved cottage became a magnet, drawing her many children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren for happy gatherings. Upon the retirement of her husband in 1992, Marion and George became legal residents of Naples FL, dividing their time between Florida and Connecticut. Besides her husband, George, Marion is survived by nine children: Kathy Amenta, Connie Merritt and her fiancé Greg Fitzgerald, Judy Rowean and her husband Paul, Jean Linderman and her husband John, Polly Maglio and her husband Gary, Larry Merritt and his partner Michael McLaughlin, George Chip Merritt Jr. and his wife Luanne, Martin Merritt and his wife Patti Ann, and Matthew Merritt and his wife Jennifer. Marion also leaves 17 cherished grandchildren: Kimberly Elgart, Sara Beth Nivison, Rebecca Torres, William Dempsey, Amy Beth Dumais, Bryant Rowean, Brandon Rowean, Katelyn Rowean, Jessica Merritt, Daniel Maglio, Gina Maglio, Marsela Termine, Leah Merritt, Andrew Merritt, Peter Merritt, Caroline Merritt, and Christopher Merritt. Marion is also survived by ten great grandchildren: Tristan Elgart, Karly Nivison, Owen Nivison, Hailey Torres, Melody Torres, Andrew Dumais, Samantha Dumais, Tyler Dumais, Keegan Rowean, and Rylee Rowean. In addition to her beloved children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, Marion is survived by her dearly loved brother, Richard Loftus and his wife Lois, of Pittsfield MA, and her sister-in-law Eleanor Peltier of Lenox MA, as well as many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Marion was predeceased by her oldest son, Andrew, in 1984 and her grandson, Paul Rowean Jr., in 1985. Friends and relatives are welcome to call on the family 3-5 and 6 -8 pm on Wednesday at the Molloy Funeral Home 906 Farmington Ave. West Hartford. Funeral services will be Thursday, with the Celebration of her Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am, in St. Peter Claver Church 47 Pleasant St. West Hartford. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Marion's memory may be made to The Sisters of St. Joseph, Mont Marie 34 Lower Westfield Rd. Suite 1 Holyoke MA, 01040, Habitat for Humanity, or AVOW Hospice 1095 Whippoorwill Lane Naples, FL 34105. "Death is not extinguishing the candle; it is putting out the light because the dawn has come."

Marion F. Merritt

June 15, 1922 - November 9, 2008