Obituary of Esther A. Merrill

"Palmer- Esther A. (Corey ) Merrill, 72, of Diane St., passed away on Sept. 3, 2009 in Mercy Medical Center. Born April 7, 1937 in Bakersfield, VT, daughter of the late Frederick and Gertrude (Bovat) Corey. She has lived in Palmer since Feb. of 2005, previously residing in Wilbraham. Esther worked as an LPN for many years at Monson Developmental Center, previously working at Ludlow Hospital. She enjoyed bowling, the Red Sox, cooking and was an avid antique collector. Esther custom designed an award winning website in memory of her son and husband, Anne's Place, http://d21c.com/annesplace/, with holiday gifts and angels. She was predeceased by her husband Fred Merrill and a son Mark Merrill. Loving to spend time with her family, she is survived by six children Fred W. Merrill, Jr. of Palmer, Steven Merrill of Palmer, Linda Scott of Wilbraham, Karen Mote of Rocky Hill, CT, Lisa Bogacz of Palmer and Teena Philyaw of Alabama. She also leaves a brother Fred Corey, sister Phyllis Harper both of Palmer and sister in-law Phyllis Chalue (Brimfield). Esther is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 8th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home. Funeral services will be private. Donations may be made in her memory to National Alliance for Autism Research, Autism Speaks, 5455 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 2250, Los Angeles, CA 90036. "