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NAN MERRILL Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for NAN MERRILL
Sponsored by Pamela Ray - Nan's Daughter .
Ebonie Tolbert
February 19, 2025
Nan was a special friend to me when she lived in Detroit, Michigan. I miss her and will always remember her with love. Ebonie K. Tolbert 2-19-2025
Ebonie Kimberly Tolbert
January 7, 2025
I was friends with Nan in Detroit, Michigan at St. Agnes Catholic church. My name is Ebonie Tolbe'rt. 1-7-2025
Loving Rose
August 25, 2024
I met Nan at an after-death conference in St Louis MO in the early "aughts". I bought two of her Peace Planet Prayer necklaces along with the book. The book has disappeared. I still have the two necklaces & was thinking about passing them on, so I googled her & found out she had transitioned so long ago. She truly was a Light in this world! Those who knew her well were incredibly blessed.
Pauline McClellan
January 20, 2023
When I see the Red Cardinal Birds I remember Nan. She is a perpetual sign of new beginnings...and do not fear! Nan came to St Agnes Parish in Detroit and left her imprint upon all our lives. I shall arise now to keep the flames of love alive! She became one of us and we will never forget what a treasure! Forever Love!!!
Lawrence Jobson
April 8, 2021
Indeed a treasure of a life and of her message. I was so moved by "The Psalms..." that I composed "My Psalm for Living" using message snippets that were sprinkled throughout all 150 Psalms. Hopefully, I'll take my Psalm to heart knowing that it was stimulated from all of Nan's words.
Jen Ulrich
August 21, 2020
I was recently introduced to “Psalms for Praying” - and what an enlightenment. She has brought the book of Psalms alive for me, and I am so grateful.
I’d like her family know that she is still touched peoples hearts today. What a treasure.
Pauline McClellan
January 19, 2020
She was like family at St. Agnes Parish! She loved her children dearly, her boys and her daughter! I pray they know that her life's work was real "her love" extends beyond time! I will always cherish my "Nan" Forever Love!
Waldo
October 17, 2019
This beloved Soul continues to grace us even after she has transitioned. Thanks Nan for generously sharing your gifts & talents that my prayer life could be enriched.
June 8, 2018
I am such a fan of Psalms for Praying,
my book is almost tread bare. Today
I looked up Friends of Silence and
am sad to learn that Nan has passed
years ago......just wanted to let her
family know her words are still a
great comfort to many of us. I wish
that Friends of Silence still existed.
Blessings, Margaret Jones
Nell Link
November 13, 2016
i have just discovered Nan Merrill's works and particularly moved by "Lumen Christi..Holy Wisdom". I hope that her family will take great comfort in knowing that she is still active in the world! in 2016.
Pauline McClellan
March 31, 2014
As I return to St. Agnes and see a place that Nan I once called home,laying in complete ruin. Am reminded of Nan's question? See Nan you will be remembered far after mortar and steel bights the dust. You will forever in the hearts of those who remember you, and carry on your legacy of love. Rev Pauline of Detroit
March 30, 2014
I never knew Nan personally but continue to be deeply touched by 'Psalms for Praying'. As I read,I am reminded again and again how much I am and we all are loved by the Beloved.
With much gratitude, Joyce
Pauline McClellan
December 19, 2011
I write this message to all Nan's children everywhere. I am her Godmother and the one she turned to when she first came to St. Agnes to bond with that parish family. I never dreamed that she and I had anything in common because I was a black woman who was the janitor of St. Agnes Parish and she was a New Englander. We became prayer partners and we shared a deep love for the Virgin Mary. She told me of her five children and their families. We'd pray about them and she'd tell wonderful stories of each of you. I remember the one about the pet snake one of her children brought home. She had a forgiving heart and she taught me that forgiveness is all powerful. In a world that divides people she and I became family. I love her with an everlasting and eternal love. She sent me her books in 2009 and we prayed together. Tears are still being shed for her in 2011 because I just found out. Thank you Pamela Ray. I love you Rev Mother Pauline McClellan of Detroit, MI
January 8, 2011
As we approach the first anniversary of Nan's death we want to let you know that a group of women in California are commemorating her this morning. Our Women's Spirituality Group is about 20 years old. We have been using Nan's Praying the Psalms often for our monthly prayer reflection. Her candle will be with two others in honor of 2 of our members who have joined Nan in being with the Divine Guest for eternity. Peace, Sister Fran Kearney, snjm
Jocelyn
October 1, 2010
Time and time again I have read Psalms for Praying. They have spoken my story and echoed my life. I have bought copies for many people, loaned my copy and recommended it to others. I have been blessed beyond words for Nan's insight and prayerful rendition of the psalms. I am So grateful for her silent listening to God and the writing she offered us.
elizabeth oleksak
July 13, 2010
I only met Nan through her writings and esp. those of the Psalms, As a spiritual director i felt her presence so often as individuals prayed through her beautiful translations. We could never keep them on our shelves Thank you Nan.
Sister Elizabeth Oleksak SP Genesis Spiritual Life Center, Westfield, Ma.
Annonymous
March 31, 2010
From one who knew Nan only through her writings ... I am so grateful for the way she touched my life. My heart goes out to her family and close friends. My heart is full of thanks for her life. Love to you all.
Kerstin Lipke
March 30, 2010
I just found out a couple of weeks ago .......oh, what a blessing Nan was in my life. A few of us meet on a weekly basis to pray together in silence and today we all shared stories of how Nan has touched our lives. What an amazing woman she was! My heart goes out to her family and to all of us. Pamela, could you let me know if/when there is a service in Vermont? Take care.
Sister Connie Schoen, OP
March 11, 2010
March 11, 2010
I just heard of Nan's death. I never met Nan but was touched deeply by her writing and inspiration. My deep sympathy to her family, friends and all whose hearts were changed because Nan taught us all that silence leads us to love.
Latosha Livingston
March 5, 2010
I would like to send my DEEPEST sympathy to her family, friends, and everyone of whom she inspired. I work for Continuum Int'l Publishing Group in the Harrisburg office. I had the pleasure of talking to her on the telephone on many occasions. Although I did not meet her in person, I knew that she was a warm and dear woman with a good heart. I just learned of her passing today. I was immediately saddened by this. I feel blessed in knowing that I had a chance to share time and a few wonderful moments with someone who was truly GREAT! People like her do not come into your life that often. She will be missed! May God Bless You All!
Donna Averyt
March 2, 2010
I wish I could have met Nan in person, but I never did. I live in Texas and discovered Psalms for Praying many years ago at a difficult time in my life. It brought me such peace, hope, and strength. I became a subscriber to Friends of Silence, and looked forward each month to receiving this precious gift in my mailbox. I loved it's simple style, revealing the pure heart of it's editor and writer -- and felt especially blessed by each month's personal note from Nan. Psalms and Friends of Silence have kept me going on this journey, making me feel deeply connected and never alone. I am so grateful to have been a receiver of the fruits of Nan's beautiful spirit: her deep spiritual wisdom, and the support of a loving community of silent prayers, beloved friends whom I've met only in the silence of Love -- a community formed and drawn by Nan's spirit, to make "enough silence for the Word to be heard". Psalms for Praying is my daily companion, and I am forever grateful to Nan who is so alive in its pages. I pray that Friends of Silence will continue. My deepest condolences to Nan's family and close friends. May you soon experience a new peace in her presence with you, Loving Companion Presence, as she so beautifully said. God Bless!
February 22, 2010
FOR NAN: "Never the Spirit was born-the Spirit shall cease to be never.Never the time It was not-end and beginning are dreams.Birthless and deathless and changeless, abideth the Spirit forever.Death doth not touch it at all -dead though the house of It seems. (Bagavad Gita) From Susan in Old Lyme,CT ...With the Love that never ends.
Theonia Amenda
February 22, 2010
My sincere sumpathy to Nan's family, friends and those she walked with and still walks with on the ROAD.
A month tomorrow I was told Nan began a new part of her journey. I have been struggling with what to say that would convey the depth of what her presence meant to me personally and what I felt I received as gift.
I am eternally grateful to God for guiding me to Nan and to her for her willingness to grace my life as a companion on the WAY. For well over a decade, she guided me with her loving gentle listening presence with acceptance and honesty. Her words still echoe within me and will continue to till the day I finally meet her. Nan's words and wisdom, that came out of the silence of her soul, were always like gentle fresh raindrops on my life renewing my spirit. May we all find joy and peace in hearing what she means to one another.
February 10, 2010
A blessed companion in person and in our liturgies, using her Psalms and meditations, and monthly gems at home--glory be.....Ralph (Rockland, ME)
Julien Shoemaker
February 8, 2010
Nan was a classmate of mine at Lexington (MA) High School. Wish we had goten to know her better after we moved to Vermont. Our condolences to all her family.
Pamela Zaitchick
February 4, 2010
I knew Nan through the Guild for Spiritual Guidance for >20 years. She was a special part of this organization as she was in it from its founding, as part of Guild I.
For me Nan has always been a spiritual guide. She always acknowledged my deep inner work and continually blessed me with her letters reminding me of her & God's love. I would always wonder how she had time to hand write her beautiful words and would savor them like my favorite morsels of dessert. I always marveled at her handwriting, so clear. I never had to guess at what it said. When I would speak to her, her voice was always calming, quiet, but strong and definite. As she was failing, we spoke once a week. There was still laughter, and joy at seeing all of her family visiting.
Her voice is over now, but not the one that continues to play in my head.
February 2, 2010
Dear Family and Friends of Nan,
Nan has been our friend for years and a true and giving and encouraging Friend of Silence for many, many years. As one who walked before us on the Way and who journeyed so well, she was Blessing to us and surely to many. We hold you and Nan in our hearts and prayers. Marilyn & Alan Youel, for "Thin Places"
Mariú Covani, SP
February 1, 2010
Nan was a great friend and spiritual companion. Even I didn't get to see her this last year, I did visit her in Vermont and Missouri, and I thank Anne Strader and Nan's family for welcoming us. I also had the privilege of talking with her for 20 minutes around a month ago, what a gift it was. Her spirit will always be with us, through beautiful memories, her written work, remembering her sense of humor, her many gifts, and the many good deeds she did. Love is such a force! She is at peace with her beloved God now! My sympathy to her family. From her friend Marilú
Marilú Covani, SP
February 1, 2010
Nan was a great friend and spiritual companion. Even I didn't get to see her this last year, I did visit her in Vermont and Missouri, and I thank Anne Strader and Nan's family for welcoming us. I also had the privilege of talking with her for 20 minutes around a month ago, what a gift it was. Her spirit will always be with us, through beautiful memories, her written work, remembering her sense of humor, her many gifts, and the many good deeds she did. Love is such a force! She is at peace with her beloved God now! My sympathy to her family. From her friend Marilú
January 31, 2010
Dear Merrill Family,
We were blessed to know Nan Merrill. She was a spiritual person who shared her gifts through her writing. I always admired her commitment to her newsletter because she knew it brought peace to so many people.
Our prayers go out to the Merrill's especially to Mark, our wonderfully kind brother-in-law, and Susan, my dearest sister, and to our sweet niece Sam and tender nephew Austin. Much love, Ken, Judy, Emma and Kate
Kari Bivona
January 31, 2010
Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of Nan Merrill. My family and I want to say how much we thought of Nan and how she enriched out lives with love, tenderness and thoughtfulness. We were very blessed to have met her a few years ago through our friendship with her son David, daughter-in-law Lisa and their beautiful daughter Madison.
It was our great fortune that we formed a friendship with Nan, mostly in the form of written correspondence. Over the last few years she would send us really lovely letters from wherever she was. Our oldest daughter loves Mark Twain and whenever Nan was in Hannibal, she would make it a point to remember Fae with some small gift from the Mark Twain museum shop!) Nan even sent us one of her books and I often find myself reading from it when I need a spiritual lift.
We will miss our letters from Nan but will remember her beautiful spirit and the very unique way she lived life. It is clear that she saw death not as an ending but as part of a continuing journey. I will think of her that way, moving forward on her cosmic path.
Much love, Kari Bivona and Family (Dave Kayarian, Fae B. Kayarian, Jane G. Kayarian and Ned F. Kayarian)
January 30, 2010
Such wisdom, such grace~Nan gifted me with a renewed love of the Psalms. May she rest in peace. May the family be comforted by sweet memories. Susan Rush, Santa Fe, NM
Elena Green
January 30, 2010
God bless you always. You are home now. Amen
January 30, 2010
For the many years Nan brought in her newsletter to the post office in Jericho to mail it was always a pleasure to help her. When she left I was always left with the feeling that I was a better person that day after Nan's expression of concern and faith she always expressed.
Sr. Regina Fierman
January 29, 2010
I offer my sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Nan C. Merrill. I use her book "Psalms for Praying" with my morning prayer, and also with prayer services. I feel blessed that she was able to share herself with us in that way. May she find joy and rest in the welcoming arms of Jesus.
Phoebe Darlington
January 28, 2010
My darling Nan, thank you for being such a gift to me. Thank you for your wisdom and grace, for your heart and spirit. Thank you for being a conduit of Love. What a blessing you were in so many lives. You touched us all. We will never forget you. Pray for us, Nan. Love, Phoebe
Terri Murphy
January 28, 2010
I only know Nan through her Psalms for Praying and through those prayers I see her heart. In her own words God has loved her into new Life (Ps 109). My prayers and condolences to family and friends.
Liz Stewart
January 28, 2010
I have been blessed with being a friend of dear Nan for close to twenty years (though we never met face to face, but in the heart), with deep appreciation for her beautiful books, for Friends of Silence, and for her personal letters which were special gifts related to our membership in The Universal Third Order. Nan was a rare soul, and I am forever grateful for her sharing of her life and her caring.
January 27, 2010
I knew Nan briefly but it was enough time to experience her powerful spirituality. She was a spiritual guide for many and a beacon through her Friends of Silence organization. She will be greatly missed but I know that she is now in the arms of the angels that she so dearly loved. Anne Favre, Massachusetts
Lorraine Schneider
January 27, 2010
January 27,2010
Woman of Wisdom, my Sophia! Nan, how I will miss you! You blessed me endlessly by being a wonderful companion on the journey, enriching my life in so many ways. Your insights, honesty, and humor made you a shining light to me and many others. You modeled for me that deep spirituality is reachable and irresistible. God was so present in you, radiating joy and love to all who knew and loved you. You were a shining star for me and I will continue to feel your spirit in all the beauty of nature. I will find you in the silence. Peace, my friend, as you enjoy the arms of your Beloved.
January 27, 2010
Thanks for your words, and work of justice, hope and kindness. Blessings on your tribe, Nan. Remember us as you sip wine with the Friend as the Thou of all your desires wraps you in the great shalom.
Gary O'Guinn/Bethlehem PA
Anne Strader
January 27, 2010
Nan has been my dear friend for many years, and I have been blessed also to have been her colleague, helping her produce Friends of Silence for about half of those years. It has been a privilege to know her family as well, and I send them my love and condolences at this difficult time. While happy that she is free, we must grieve for ourselves. We will miss her physical presence among us, even as we know she will always be with us in spirit.
Jandira Pimentel
January 26, 2010
Almost ten years ago I read 'Psalms for Praying' and it helped my spiritual life so much!! I could experience a closer God, much more easily with her beautiful and powerful book.
May she rest in peace and my condolences to the family and friends,
Jandira, Brazil
Giuseppe Villani
January 26, 2010
I did not know Nan directly but I have known Her son David for many years. I can see that Nan has accomplished much in her life. Most likely quite a bit in Davide! If only all of us followed her lead there would not be any problem in this world!
Mia condoglianza a tutti in famiglia…specialmente a Davide Merrill e sua famiglia. It translates to: My condolences to the entire family…especially David and his Family.
Dennis Loughlin
January 26, 2010
Our prayers and sympathy are offered to the Merrill family at this time of sorrow and letting go. Though always difficult, the passing of a loved one shows us the rhythm of our humanity as we entrust Nan to the arms of Our Lord. Nan leaves the world a little brighter place through her wonderful books and Friends of Silence. A candle burns before the Blessed Sacrament at Sacred Heart Church in honor of a life well lived.
Denny & Carole Loughlin,
Jean Woessner
January 25, 2010
I did not personally know Nan Merrill, but her words through her books have guided me for years, in my spiritual practice. Psalms for Praying brought me closer to God and to all of creation. With gratitude for her life, with sorrow for her family in her passing, but in celebration that she is now with the Beloved. Rest in peace.
Barbara Purinton
January 25, 2010
Nan and I shared a silent retreat and a great appreciation for the gift of silence. I have been a grateful reader of her book of Psalm and Friends of Silence. What a gift she shared as she guided us to deepen our connection to Spirit.
I hope Friends of Silence can continue!
Tony Nazal
January 25, 2010
My prayers and condolences go out the the Merrill family. Not having know Ms. Merrill directly, I have the pleasure of be a colleague of her son Dave Merrill, of whom reflects the character of fine up bringing and a warm heart thus defining the legacy of what I am sure was a great woman.
God Bless
January 25, 2010
Nan started out many years ago as a customer and leaves us as a very special friend. We will miss you Nan!
Mary, Bob and Rose
First Step Print Shop
Underhill, Vermont
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