1914 – 2003

ROCKLAND – Doris L. Merriam, 88, a life-long resident here, died Friday, June 20, at her home, after a long illness.

Born in Rockland, Dec. 8, 1914, the daughter of John A. and Olive Kalloch Blackman, she was educated in local schools and was a 1932 graduate of Rockland High School.

Throughout her life, Mrs. Merriam lived in only two houses. On Jan. 7, 1935, she married Paul D. Merriam in Rockland.

For several years she worked part-time at Rockland Public Library and after raising her family, worked another 10 years as assistant librarian, retiring in 1971. For more than 50 years, she enjoyed keeping a daily journal that has become a cherished part of Merriam family history.

She was a devoted mother and homemaker. As a small child, she once attended a circus with her father, where she discovered a fascination and love for elephants. She has since collected them in many different forms.

For more than 68 years, she was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Rockland, where she was an active member of the MacDonald Sunday school class. Long active in her community, she was a member of the Mid-Coast Audubon Society, Shore Village Historical Society, Oyster River Bog Association and the Owls Head Transportation Museum.

Survivors include her husband of 68 years, Paul; five sons, Paul G. “Gil” Merriam of Rockland, Robert D. and his wife, Barbara of Bangor, Kendall A. and his wife, Phyllis of Richmond, Marshall G. and his wife, Paula of Owls Head and Fred B. and Joan of Bucksport; one daughter, Joy L. and her husband, Rev. Robert Peters of Mexico; one brother, Rev. John A. Blackman and his wife, Dorothy of Edmeston, N.Y.; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Merriam was predeceased by three siblings; and one son, Parker S. Merriam, II.

Copy the Story Link