Ellen Merriam

DANVERS, Mass. - Ellen (Sanborn) Merriam, 89, of Danvers, beloved wife of the late Frederic C. Merriam, died March 25, 2010, at Brooksby Village Renaissance Garden in Peabody.

Born in Laconia, N.H., she was the daughter of the late Howard W. and Elenora (Currier) Sanborn. She was raised on a rural farm in Sanbornton, N.H., and loved animals, especially horses.

She attended schools in Sanbornton and nearby Tilton, N.H., and was a graduate of the University of New Hampshire, earning her degree in geology.

Following 10 years of social work at a nursing home in Lynn, Ellen was employed at North Shore Elder Services until the time of her retirement several years ago. Lifelong interests included genealogy research and singing in several choral groups.

A longtime member of the Maple Street Congregational Church in Danvers, Ellen was an active member of the church choir and Maple Eves women's group, and more recently served as a deacon.

She is survived by her son, Frederic Sanborn Merriam, and his wife, Carol, of Chelmsford; and her grandsons, David Merriam and his wife, Becky, of San Francisco and Eric Merriam and his wife, Melisa, of Somerville. She also is survived by her sisters, Ruth Briscoe of Groveland, Margaret Ryon of Victor, N.Y.; and a brother, Allison Q. Sanborn of Grafton, along with many nieces and nephews. She will be missed by all.

Ellen was predeceased by three siblings, Russell T., Haven L. and Lois G. Sanborn.

There will be a memorial service in the Brooksby Village Chapel at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 24. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a buffet immediately following the service in the Renaissance Garden Room at Brooksby Village. As requested, there are no visiting hours. Burial is private.

Assisting the family with the arrangements is the Peterson-O'Donnell Funeral Home, 167 Maple St., (Route 62), Danvers.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Ellen's memory to the Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers MA 01923.