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Frances Jane Merry, age 80, of LeBoeuf Township, passed away on Wednesday, February 3, 2016, at LECOM Senior Living Center. Born in Albion, Pa., on August 5, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Stephen and Olga Revak Pavolko.
She married Charles Edward Merry on August 9, 1952 and he survives.
Fran was a dedicated wife and a supportive mother who was always very encouraging. As a mother of six children, she was extremely capable and could cook and bake, sew, crochet, upholster furniture, and fix almost anything, even player pianos. If she didn't know how to do something, she would read a book and learn.
Frances had quite a green thumb and could grow anything, enjoying mostly her beautiful flowers. Fran also loved polka dancing and music, excelling in her younger days in the school band and chorus.
As a longtime member of All Saints Parish in Waterford, Fran was instrumental in the merging of the two churches that formed All Saints Parish, she served as a Eucharistic minister, and would often help with dinners and fish fries. Fran, at one time, was an auditor for LeBoeuf Township, and she and her husband spent years completing the Merry family genealogy dating back to the 1630s.
In addition to her husband Charles, Frances is survived by six children - Jack Merry and wife Ann, and Charlene Stull and husband David, all of Waterford, Christopher Merry and wife Stephanie of Buffalo, N.Y., Melinda "Mindy" McCall and husband Dave of Painesville, Ohio, Mark Merry and wife Mary Ellen of Holly Springs, N.C., and Thomas Merry and wife Amy of Galena, Ohio; also, 17 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; a brother, Richard Pavolko and wife Liz of Albion; sister-in-law, Connie Pavolko of Erie; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Eric Merry; and a brother Robert Pavolko.
The family will receive friends at Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford, on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Rev. Fr. Gregory Passauer on Monday morning at 10:00 a.m. at All Saints Parish in Waterford with burial to follow at Waterford Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed at www.vanmatrefuneralhome.com.
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To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Frances was an steady inspration, always enjoying Mr. and Mrs. Merry's company and conversation. Across the street on the hill was the best homemde bread. We'll miss Mrs. Merry!
Kirk Mientkiewicz
February 8, 2016
Mindy, Mark, Chris, and Tom:
Tom and I are surrounding your father, sisters, spouses, children and extended family as well as your Mother's Spirit with prayer during this sacred time.
Marisa Moks-Unger
February 7, 2016
Chuck, Very sorry for your loss.
Jim Collins
February 7, 2016
I will miss you Auntie
Love, Judy
February 6, 2016
Mark, MaryEllen, and Family,
We are sorry to hear about the loss of Mark's mother. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Carl and Susan Schafer and Family
Susan Schafer
February 6, 2016
Mark, Mary Ellen and family,
So sorry to read about Mark's moms passing. Praying for your family. Brian and Kathy Smith
February 6, 2016
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Ann & Roger Durlin
February 6, 2016
Chuck and family, So sorry to read about your wife's passing. We will keep you in our prayers.
Bill Liebel
February 6, 2016
Our sympathy Jack and family.love from Canada
Donna Matthews
February 6, 2016
May God bless you dear cousin Frances as you begin your eternal journey.
Francis Pavolko
February 5, 2016
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