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Mary Merrill Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Mary Merrill
Diana Williams
March 13, 2006
Mary Merrill presented at a VAN meeting in Maumee on January 18, 2006. It was the first time I met her. I personally spoke to her during break time and found her to be helpful, friendly, personable, and extremely knowledgable. I was very impressed with her and was so sorry to hear about her passing. Blessings to her many friends and family.
Amy Lively
March 6, 2006
On behalf of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, we express our sincere condolences to Mary's family. Her legacy to volunteerism is a gift that will never be forgotten.
Nancy & Matt) Davies
March 5, 2006
I just read of Mary's death in the Clintonville Booster. What a shock! Our prayers are with your family. I sponsored Mary to be on the Whetstone Advisory Board after she made an excellent presentation for a new playground. She was such an asset to the Council. I feel thankful for having known such an outstanding person. God Bless you all!
Sherrie Divierte
February 27, 2006
Bill, Scott and Ann and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Mary was a wonderful person, whom I had the pleasure of knowing, even if only for a short time. She was one of the strongest and most influential women I have known in my life. My heartfelt condolences to your family.
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Rebecca Kalman
February 27, 2006
I received an excellent education in the field of volunteer admnistration from Mary's publications. I relied on her articles to keep me current and even proactive in the field. Although I never met Mary, I will miss her very much. Her family is in my thoughts.
Ann Bain
February 27, 2006
"The Scottish Association for Volunteer Management ( SAVM) was saddened to hear of the the sudden loss of Mary Merrill. She was due to be the keynote speaker at our 10th Anniversary National Confererence for Managers of Volunteers on the 30th of March.
The Executive Director of SAVM ( Ann Bain) , met Mary at AVA conferences and via the Journal of Volunteer Administration. She was so impressed with Mary's wide knowledge and approach that she persuaded her to come over to Scotland in October 2003 to lead SAVM's annual International Seminar. This was on Strategic Planning and was certainly one of the best rated events SAVM ever held . Typical Comments were " Congratulations for a most excellent day- the speaker was just so relevant" , " At last I understand strategic planning" "This event helped me to realise what needs updating" etc etc.
Indeed the event formed the basis of SAVM's own strategic plan so SAVM itself owes her a great debt.
Ann had the pleasure of hosting both Bill and Mary and of showing them a little of Scotland.
We know that she shared her skills unstintingly through America and Europe and worldwide and that her loss will be noted and mourned by all those whose lives she touched. Already comments are coming in from our members.
We will miss you Mary but your wisdom and work is your legacy and will give people advice and guidance for many years to come.Thanks
SAVM.
Pat Taft
February 26, 2006
Mary was truly an outstanding individual and I hope that all of these tributes will just reinforce what you, as her family, already knew...I was so sad to hear of Mary's passing..along with your family, the training world and field of volunteer management has suffered a major loss - her passion and expertise will be greatly missed.
John Lipp
February 26, 2006
Dear Bill and Family - Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mary was a true leader in the field of volunteerism and made the world a far better place. She touched so many lives and, through her work, left a legacy that will continue to inspire and bring hope.
Susan Moscareillo
February 26, 2006
I am greatly saddened to hear of Mary's passing. Her work in the management of volunteers and nonprofit management was unparalleled, and a great inspiration to me in my work. She was also a lovely and gracious person. My heartfelt sympathies to her family on their loss.
Bryan & Kelly Barnhill
February 25, 2006
Scott - Our hearts are with you and your family as you mourn. The love and respect for your mother is apparent from the messages here - I am sorry I was never able to meet her. The mark she made in this world is not unnoticed, and I know you are proud of her.
Terri Ranck
February 24, 2006
Ann, I know your family and friends are happy to have you home with them, and so sorry to hear of the reason for your travel. May peace and understanding fill and heal you and may all the joy of your Mother's life be embraced and celebrated. Peace with Christ, Terri Ranck
Patricia Goeller
February 24, 2006
Dearest Bill, Scott and Ann Marie: So sorry to hear of your loss of Mary. I really believe she was a special person sent by God to help all those she touched. I haven't seen your family for several years but never have forgotten all our good times and our Marriage Encounter weekend. We shared many a good times together and I know how you will miss having her by your side. Special people come our way and Mary was one of those. I know she will meet up with Frank and they will hold such innocence and joy as angels from above. Let us thank God for his angels for he has left us not alone. They will guide us through the rest of our lives. Love Pat My prayers are with you and your family.
Denise Niese
February 24, 2006
Bill-
Mary touched the lives of many people. Her dedication made many organizations stronger and able to provide greater service to their constituents. She will be missed by many.
My thoughts are with you.
Denise
Diane Sharp-Keys
February 24, 2006
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Mary Merrill. I cannot place a value on the lessons learned and the avenues taken throughout my career in volunteer management, thanks to Mary's wisdom. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Roy Adams, DVS
February 24, 2006
The volunteer program at All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL benefitted from Mary's great advice over the years!
Kanti Kumar
February 24, 2006
We at UN Volunteers are very sad to learn of Mary passing away. She had been working with us in many areas over the years and in the last two years I've had the good fortune to work with her closely. She made excellent contributions to our website World Volunteer Web on volunteer management, which was the topic closest to her heart. With her we lost a fervent champion of volunteerism. She was not only committed and passionate about the cause, but also kind, warm and a very humble person. Our condolences to all in her family.
Jennifer Evans
February 24, 2006
Bill-
I am so sorry for your loss...She was your angel here and now she's your angel in heaven..Know that all of the thoughts and prayers of your coworkers are with you and your family..She is and always will be with you..May God keep you and your family close during this time of sorrow
Loretta Ward
February 24, 2006
Bill, I am sorry to hear about your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time.
Kristy Sweeney
February 24, 2006
Bill...my heart aches for you and your family. Even though I only met Mary one time I know that she was the light of your life. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this trying time. May the memories you and your family share of Mary comfort you. God Bless you all and if there is anything that I can do please do not hesitate to ask.
Amy Borders
February 24, 2006
Bill.. You are in my prayers. --Amy
Marti Sowka
February 24, 2006
My deepest sympathy to Mary's family during this difficult time. Like many, I first met Mary on line. I was then fortunate enough to meet her in person when I invited her to lead a day-long conference in Central Wisconsin on trends in volunteerism. She was inspirational-packed the day with a huge amount of relevant information. The evaluations of the event were stellar-she delivered-she always delivered! Her personality was such that strangers who needed her expertise quickly became friends-and Wisconsin was no different. She became a friend and mentor who I emailed frequently over sticky issues. Her response was always quick and on target.
Mary will be missed by so many in the field of volunteerism. She was a bridge-builder who achieved success and significance in her life work. Her bridges live on in those she touched. I am honored to have known her and grateful for every conversation we had.
Nancy Gaston
February 24, 2006
I extend heartfelt sympathy to Mary's family. Mary brought a wonderful gift to her professional association, AVA, with her great blend of academic theory and good practices in the field of volunteer management. As editor of The Journal of Volunteer Administration, she provided practitioners with solid and helpful articles on applied research. She will be greatly missed.
Michelle Hardin
February 24, 2006
My condolences to Mary's loved ones. I haven't seen or talked to Mary in years, but I remember her well through the Volunteer Administrators' Network (VAN).
She was one of the kindest and friendliest persons I have ever known - always generous with sharing her time and her expertise. She will truly be missed.
Dean and Karen Gross
February 24, 2006
Bill and Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Mary was an amazing person who made everyone feel special. Her great love of others was so evident in her beautiful eyes and gentle voice. She will be missed by many and we feel very fortunate to have known both of you through the Marriage Encounter community. You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Love,
Jim and Meg Morabito
February 24, 2006
We send our love and prayers. Our world has a hole in it... Mary is a gift from God that touched us and so many others.
We wish we could personally give our hugs and presence but we are with you Bill and Ann Marie and Scott... many fond memories.
Meghan Kaskoun
February 24, 2006
Bill and Family,
There are many who are grieving with you, but probably none feeling the loss as deeply. Know that there is a world of love coming your way, and that any help you may need is there for the asking.
Theresa Berkoski
February 24, 2006
Please accept my deepest sympathy of your loss. Mary was such a huge contributor to the field in which I have dedicated my life to. She has been a mentor of mine and I have always appreciated her. I had many interactions with her at AVA conferences and I appreciated her gumption and her tenacity. She has taught me to not be afraid to speak my mind and I believe that she truly has empowered many in our field. She will be greatly missed in our world, but she has left many handprints that will never be forgotten. To all that knew her, we feel all the more blessed and for those who will read from her articles and books, I am sad they will never get the chance to meet such a wonderful person as her, however they will continue to learn from her because she truly left her mark on the world of Volunteer Management. There will always be people like myself who will remember her and be thankful for what she has done to make the world of Volunteer Management so extradordinary. Thank you for sharing her with us. She will be greatly missed. Sincerely,
Tovi Martin
February 23, 2006
Mary was a fabulous trainer and was greatly respected by many in the field of volunteer administration. She will be missed.
Our thoughts, prayers, and wishes are with your family and friends in the days, weeks, and months to come.
Hiba Nasser
February 23, 2006
On behalf of The Muslim Women's Network, we offer our sincerest sympathies for your loss. Mary was a dear friend and colleague to people of all faiths. We shall remember her with great respect and affection.
Jackie Wynn
February 23, 2006
Mary was a great mentor! I met Mary by attending one of her workshops eight years ago when I entered the field of Volunteer Management. Mary generously offered many words of wisdom and gave me much encouragement over the years. To Mary's family, may you find comfort in your memories and the love you share. Sincerely, Jackie Wynn
Kathleen Radcliff
February 23, 2006
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Take good care and God Bless you and your family.
Kathleen Radcliff
Karen Carlisle
February 23, 2006
My sympathy and prayers are with you and family.
Jean Carter
February 23, 2006
Bill, Scott, Ann and family:
My sympathy to you. Mary has been a wonderful friend to me and an "Aunt" to my children. I will keep in my heart her warmth, her deep love of family and friends, and her strong faith in Gods love.
Martin Jenkins
February 22, 2006
Mary's impact on the many organizations and causes for which she worked so hard cannot be overstated. If that wouldn't be enough of a contribution to make, she became friend and mentor to very many colleagues, thereby making her loss even harder to comprehend. She made a difference!
Woods Bowman
February 22, 2006
She will be missed by all of us in academic circles who study volunteering hoping to understand how to make the world a better place. Mary did it. She made the world a better place.
Bruce Summers
February 22, 2006
Mary was a mentor, a role model and a tremendous resource for me and for many colleagues at the American Red Cross. She will be greatly missed.
Rita Reynolds
February 22, 2006
Bill, know that you and your family are in my prayers. Rita
Michael & Beth Ann Ball
February 22, 2006
Bill, Ann Marie, Scott and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your great loss. Mary was indeed a visionary, role model, leader and mentor. We, like so many others whose lives she touched, benefited from all of her gifts. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
We have told many times the story of the night that our Alexander was born and we had been invited to dinner at your home. You had actually staged a wonderful surprise - a couples baby shower with all of our mutual Marriage Encounter friends. We stopped on the way to the hospital to receive hugs and well wishes. All of you prayed for us during labor and delivery. This story is so typical of the Merrill creativity and generosity. We will hold all of you in our hearts forever.
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