BETSY MERRY

MERRY, Betsy "Life is too short not to do things beautifully." – Betsy Merry Passed away peacefully at home and surrounded by her family on May 23, 2022, following a courageous battle with acute myeloid leukemia. Betsy was born in Salem and raised in Peabody by her wonderful mother, Mary. Betsy was only four-years-old when her father, Walter Lee, died in the Swampscott Buddliner train crash. This tragic loss inspired Betsy to independently achieve great success through resilience, hard work, and relentless determination. Betsy graduated from Bishop Fenwick High School and received her undergraduate and graduate degrees at Boston College. She studied abroad at Loyola University in Rome, where she developed a passion for classic architecture, fine art, and gourmet food. Betsy was a beloved special education teacher at Salem High School before beginning a career in residential real estate. She was a natural in real estate and thoroughly enjoyed meeting new clients, who often became close friends. Betsy managed the Salem Coldwell Banker office for several years and, in 2008, established Merry Fox Realty, which thrived and eventually became Salem's dominant realty office. Featured on This Old House and American Dream TV, Betsy's real estate prowess and trustworthiness were well known and propelled her to become Salem's top broker. Betsy passionately devoted herself to civic projects, charitable organizations, and institutions and had an uncanny ability to raise money. Potential donors couldn't say "No" to Betsy Merry! She was president of the Salem YMCA and a trustee of the Essex Institute before its merger with the Peabody Museum. Later, she was a member of the Board of Overseers of the Peabody Essex Museum. Betsy was a board member at Catholic Charities, Historic Salem Inc., Hamilton Hall, YMCA of the North Shore, the Salem Partnership, and the Salem Pantry. She was a Trustee at Salem's Charitable Samaritan's Society and a proud member of the Cheerful Workers Sewing Circle. Betsy delighted in planning numerous fundraising galas and the Hamilton Hall Christmas Dance for many years. Betsy received the Distinguished Citizen Award from the Yankee Clipper Council, Boy Scouts of America, and the Citizen of the Year from the City of Salem. Additionally, she is nominated for the 2021 Business Woman of the Year from Salem's Chamber of Commerce, recognized for Outstanding Fundraising Achievement for Mass General's Caring for a Cure Boston Marathon team, and will posthumously receive the Commonwealth Heroine award in June. Betsy loved to laugh! Her zest for life and sense of humor were contagious. A consummate chef, Betsy enjoyed hosting dinner parties with her vast network of friends. She delighted in crafting her guest lists to spawn intellectually stimulating conversation and laughter. Betsy created beautiful gardens and exquisitely arranged flowers for everyday and special occasions. She set elegant table tops for parties, special events, and everyday meals. A glamor girl, Betsy was always beautifully dressed and radiated warmth, kindness, and positivity. She spoiled her friends and family with thoughtful gifts and treats, always festively wrapped, to celebrate life's special moments. Of course, there isn't a holiday that Betsy Merry didn't love! She impeccably decorated her house, inside and out, for all holidays and savored those special occasions with loved ones. Above all her extraordinary accomplishments, Betsy's family was the light of her life. Betsy was incredibly proud of her family's achievements and never hesitated to tout their successes far and wide! She shared 45 years of marriage and adventure with Peter Merry. Betsy was the loving mother of Ian Merry of Boston and Kate Walters and her husband, Chris of Marblehead. "Gigi" was also adored by her three grandchildren, Peter, Rosemary, and Eve Walters. Betsy leaves her devoted brother Terry Lee, dear cousins Mary Shaughnessy and Sara Hart, and an "honorary" family member, her business partner, Dan Fox, with whom she shared over 15 years of success, laughs, and loyalty. She also leaves countless close friends, colleagues, and extended family. Betsy was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Mary (Flynn) Lee; her nephew, Jeffrey Lee; and her brother Coley Lee, for whom the Peabody High School football field is named. Betsy brought us fireworks and sparkle every day. She illuminated every room and brightened each life she touched. She was a classic beauty, both inside and out. What a sense of style, what a generous heart, and what energy! Difficulties were met head-on with creativity, strength, expertise, and indomitable optimism. Her inspirational presence and spirit enriched the lives of all who knew Betsy. We honor her remarkable life with her legacy to us - be bold, be bright, and always be our best. Visiting Hours: Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 2, 2022, from 4-8 pm ET at Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal Street, SALEM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am on Friday, June 3, 2022, at Immaculate Conception Church, 15 Hawthorne Boulevard, Salem. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the following charities in honor of Betsy: The Salem Pantry (27 Congress Street (Suite 203), Salem, MA 01970) and Caring for a Cure (Mass General Hospital Development Office, Attn: Caring For A Cure, 125 Nashua Street, Boston, MA 02114). For more information or online guestbook, please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497.

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