Mary Joan Merry

Mary Joan Merry January 9, 2014 Mary Joan Merry, 82, of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, found peace in the comfortable surroundings of the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House Thursday, January 9th, 2014. She was born in Marmaroneck, NY, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Crowley) Dinolfo. Even with illness, Mary Joan remained focused on her wealth - her adoring husband, Jack, her children, grandchildren, family, friends, social gatherings and her many cherished life memories. Mary Joan was the eldest of three siblings, whom she treasured, Joseph Dinolfo, Charlie Dinolfo (predeceased) and Ellen Keyser (predeceased). She relived her many family stories focused around laughter and food. Mary Joan was an avid reader and had a keen interest in music - she played the French horn and piano (kept her baby grand in her bedroom!). She and Jack loved attending jazz concerts and dancing. Her love of food and cooking came in all flavors - traveling and tasting local foods, reading culinary books and celebrating life with delectable family feasts. She was an active member of the Catholic Church and a dedicated leader of Marriage Encounter. She loved the ocean - a perfect day included a gourmet picnic at the beach with friends and family. Mary Joan met John Christopher Merry, Jr. (""Jack"") in 1946 during summer vacation in Cape Elizabeth, Me, the town that they returned to live in 1997. They were married June 12, 1954 and shared an inspiring, loving marriage for 59 years. She was happiest when surrounded by her husband and family including daughter, Nancy Charpentier of Cape Elizabeth and grandson, Peter of Rochester, NH; son, John Merry III and daughter-in-law, Jennifer, and grandsons, John IV and Charlie of Kennebunkport, Me; son Joseph Merry and daughter-in-law, Regina of Arundel, Me; and daughter Ann Boardman and son-in-law, John of Kittery Point, Me. She also loved reunions with all her nieces and nephews. Mary Joan's life will be celebrated January 18, 2014 at 11am at St. Bartholemew Parish, 8 Two Lights Road, Cape Elizabeth, Maine. For more information or to sign an online guest book, www.athutchins.com. Donations to Gosnell Memorial Hospice House or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital are appreciated.