DOVER- Beatrice Edna (Tibbetts) Merchant, 86, died in her sleep during the early morning hours, July 9, 2005.
Bea was born April 14, 1919 to Charles Henry Tibbetts and Christine Louise (Locke) Tibbetts in Kittery Point, ME. She moved to Dover, NH in 1933 where she attended and graduated from Dover High School in 1937. It should be noted that she was a staunch supporter of the reunions this class organized over the last sixty plus years and greatly enjoyed the closeness of this group.
She was married to Arthur A. Merchant in 1938 and they had four sons. Bea accepted the raising of her four children as a primary purpose and dedicated herself to that effort. She struggled for many years as the sole provider of the family and was determined to succeed. She worked at General Electric in Somersworth, NH as a machine operator. Upon retirement, she was employed by Bill and Bob’s in Dover and later, for many years, at the Somersworth Hotel.
Bea really enjoyed a good laugh and had a keen sense of humor. She was very personable and had many enduring friendships in the local area. She had many hobbies over the years but was especially fascinated with the genealogy of her family.
Family members include four sons, Raymond A. Merchant of Dover, Robert A. Merchant and his wife Sharon of Rochester, Richard A. Merchant and his wife Lorraine of Titusville, FL, and Ronald A. Merchant and his wife Louise of Rochester, NH; three brothers, Charles H. Tibbetts of Oxnard, CA, Kenneth L. Tibbetts of Berwick, ME, Gordon R. Tibbetts of Berwick, ME; a sister, Helen F.Garnett of Orlando, FL; two grandchildren, Rodney A. Merchant of Atlanta, GA and Samantha A. Merchant of Rochester.
She was predeceased by her husband, Arthur A. Merchant in 1978, her brothers, Bernard E. Tibbetts, Roland W. Tibbetts, John A. Tibbetts and sisters, Eleanor L. Squillante, Phyllis R. Skoropowski, and Shirley M. Baker.
According to her wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral services. However, there will be a gathering at her residence at 29 Cedarbrook Drive, Dover on Thursday, 14 July, 2005 starting around 1 PM for everyone wishing to celebrate Bea’s life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association of Greater NH Chapter, 10 Ferry St., Suite 419, Concord, NH 03301.
Tasker Funeral Home, 621 Central Ave. assisted with arrangements
To view and sign the online guestbook, please go to www.taskerfh.com.
