1945 – 2012

PERU — Marie “Denise” Merrill, 67, of Peru, was called Home by the Lord on Thursday morning, Dec. 20, at her home in Peru.

She was born Oct. 7, 1945, in Connecticut, a daughter of, Roland and Alice (Bouffard) Goulet. Denise attended Rumford schools and graduated from Stephens High School in 1964.

Denise was a devoted homemaker to her family and husband, Carroll Merrill, whom she married in Dixfield in August 1966.

She worked at various things throughout her life including Oxford Paper in the 1960’s, a candy striper at Rumford Hospital, an Electrolux dealer and sales person, at her family owned fabric store, The Yard Good Center, knitting hats in Peru and as a seamstress which she enjoyed very much.

In 1995, she fulfilled a dream of hers by attending Bernard’s School of Hair alongside her daughter. Denise enjoyed many years of camping and her love of laughing will be forever missed as well as her reference to everyone as, “snooks and toots.”

She is survived by her husband, Carroll of Peru; four children, Leon Merrill and his wife, Bertina, Lee Merrill and his wife, Sarah, of Peru, Libby Martin and her husband, David Jr., of Peru, and Lewis Merrill of Peru; seven grandchildren, Keenan, Kaiya, Hunter, Taylor, Ethan, Eva and Audreanna; a great grandson, Andray Cooper of Florida; a brother-in-law, Anthony Vicnaire; nephews, Brent Vicnaire and his wife, Kim, and Aaron Vicnaire; great-nephews, Cameron and Brady; her best friend, Gemma Waterhouse.

She was predeceased by her parents and a sister, Jeanne Vicnaire.

Words of condolence and tribute may be shared with her family and friends on her tribute wall at www.wilesrc.com.