Carol Merrick

Family-Placed Death Notice

CAROL HOUGH MERRICK M.A., NBCC NOVEMBER 20, 1931 to JULY 17, 2006 Carol Hough Merrick, loving wife, mother of 6 children and 11 grandchildren, entreprenur, psychotherapist, vocational counselor, athlete, and mentor, passed away July 17, 2006. Whether advising clients on vocational choices, providing psychotherapy to those in need, advocating on behalf of those less fortunate, or placing a loving kiss on a child's skinned knee, Carol lived her life with compassion and self-less determination. Inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt, centered by her father's confidence, and blessed with the gift of art by her mother, Carol led a life filled with variety and humanity. Born in Western Springs, Illinois on November 20, 1931 to Mr. Ora T. and Madeline (Reynolds) Hough she was preceded in death by her loving brother Harry. Carol was a small town girl who married her high school sweetheart, Dr. John W. Merrick, 56 years ago. She helped him through his education and to begin his Veterinary practice in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Carol worked as a surgical nurse, lab technician and receptionist. While raising 6 children, she returned to school to complete her Bachelor's degree and obtain two Masters degrees. Her education led her to become a psychotherapist, vocational counselor, certified sports counselor, small business owner, yoga teacher, public speaker, mentor and practicing Buddhist. Along the way, her love of life and amazing spirit were a living example to others. Her search for Dharma (truth) inspired her to reach out to others beyond her professional responsibilities. In 1980 she founded the Kenosha Women's Network, a professional networking group dedicated to the vision of women promoting women. She founded Displaced Homemakers- an organization dedicated to helping women find their career in life. In 1985 she co-founded Women's Horizons, the first Shelter for Battered Women and Children in the state of Wisconsin, in the town of Kenosha. She was a member of the Board of Directors for Gateway Technical Institute of Kenosha, Wisconsin. Her interests included sports, art, philantrophy, politics, and advocacy. An avid tennis player and swimmer, she and her husband were the Illinois state doubles ping pong champions in 1947. Carol was an accomplished pianist, giving her own recital at age 14. Her love of Budhism and yoga inspired her to attain a Yogi Siromani Certificate from the Yoga Vedanta Centre in Canada in 1972. This training, plus her Sports Masters certification, enabled her to teach yoga at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, where her course was among the most in demand on campus. Carol founded and managed Merrick Consultants and Merrick Temporary Services which provided an array of vocational consulting services. The company grew to include psychotherapeutic, divorce counseling, and meditation services. Carol's committment to countinuing education led to the achievement of many special professional certifications. Her vocational expertise qualified her to be called upon as an expert witness, as well as an author and speaker of professional workshops and seminars on vocational and professional development. Carol was nominated for the Wisconsin Women "Entrepreneurial Spirit" Award, and appeared in Who's Who and Where (University of Wisconsin Women). Her professional/community affiliations and appointments include National Board of Certified Counselors, American Board of Vocational Experts, Wisconsin Association of Rehabilitation Professionals, American Counseling Association, Commission on Women's Issues, United Way, Governors Conference on Small Business, National Distinguished Service Registry, Kenosha Jobs Advisory Council, Wisconsin Business Women Coalition, Wisconsin Women Entrepreneurs (Charter member), and American Association of University Women. She was awarded the National Alliance of Business, Distinguished Performance Award, recognized with the Lifetime Membership Award from the Kenosha Women's Network, and was featured in the book A Gifted Heritage, dedicated to outstanding Wisconsin women. Upon retiring in Peachtree City, Carol became an active member of the New Neighbors League Club and the Happy Bookers Club. She enjoyed spending time with her 3 daugheters and 4 grandchildren who reside in the area. A celebration of Carol's life will be held on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm at the Wyndham Hotel (Canterbury Room), with a service beginning at 7:00 pm. The hotel is located at 2443 West Highway 54 in Peachtree City, GA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carol's memory to Peggy's Benefit Ride for Cancer care of the Bank of Georgia, 100 West Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269, and/or Bright Dawn Institute 8334 Harding Avenue, Skokie, IL 60076 (brightsawn@kubose.com). She is survived by her husband John W. Merrick, DVM of Peachtree City, daughters Dorothy Merrick of Jacksonville, FL, Ginger Merrick of Marietta, GA, and Peggy Merrick Auxier of Peachtree City, GA, and her sons Dr. William Merrick of Madison, WI, David Merrick of Madison, WI and Byron Merrick of Baltimore, MD, and 11 grandchildren. Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home, peachtree City, 770-487-3959. www.mowellfuneralhome.com.