Frances J. Merrill

Frances J. Merrill September 22, 1923 October 2, 2014 Portland - Frances J. Merrill passed away peacefully on Oct 2, 2014 surrounded by her loving family. She was born to Martin and Delia Jennings on Sept 22, 1923 in Portland. Her Irish roots run deep as her parents emigrated from Ireland and settled on Munjoy Hill. Frances grew up enjoying her early years with her eight brothers and sisters attending Portland schools and graduating from Portland High with the class of '41. She met and married Jackson T. Merrill Sr., a Naval Chief Pipefitter on Oct. 3rd, 1944 and traveled with Jack as he was stationed in Cuba, Virginia and finally as a recruiter in Portland. They remained together until his death Jan. 19th, 1997. Frances was known for her infectious smile, generous heart and very entertaining wit. She was a genuinely caring soul with great concern for others. Frances treasured the times she was able to spend with her family, the Irish sing-alongs and times at her camp on Little Sebago Lake. She will forever be remembered as someone with whom people loved to spend time and her family feels most blessed by God to have enjoyed her for so long. She left a legacy of love as a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and as ""Nana"". She smiled endlessly when hearing of the accomplishments and adventures of all her family. Frances enjoyed watching sports and rooting for her favorite Boston teams and she especially enjoyed watching golf. She was always up for a game of cards and liked playing scat with the family, a good game of cribbage or bocce ball. She preferred to win. Frances worked for over twenty years for the State of Maine Unemployment Bureau as a claim processor before retiring to enjoy family, travel and her favorite place, camp. She is survived by son Jackson Merrill Jr., Ralph Merrill and his wife Maureen Merrill; grandchildren Kelly Merrill and Ryan Merrill, their mother Yvonne Cole, Ryan's wife Christie Merrill, Janelle Merrill Brown and husband Jeremy Brown, Nicole Merrill and Rebecca Merrill; great grandchildren Angel Christopher Merrill, Wesley Merrill, Gabriel Merrill, Riley Brown, Natalie Brown and Carly Brown; sister Irene Bernier, brother William ""Jeep"" Jennings and his wife Virginia Jennings, sister-in-laws Cecile Jennings and Constance Gauvin, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Jackson Merrill Sr.; her brothers Thomas Jennings, Martin Jennings, Laughlin Jennings, Edward Jennings; her sisters Mary Whitmore and Katherine Westort. Nana you are greatly loved and will be greatly missed. A very special thank you from the family to the Birchwoods at Canco and the VNA staff for their loving care of our Nana. They are truly a blessing. Visiting hours will be Monday, October 6, 2014 from 4-8 PM at A.T. Hutchins Funeral & Cremation Services, 660 Brighton Ave, Portland, ME 04102. To share memories and condolences with the family, please go to www.athutchins.com There will be a private family graveside ceremony Tuesday at 11 AM at Calvary Cemetery in So. Portland followed by a reception.

Frances J. Merrill

September 22, 1923 - October 2, 2014

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