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Merida Wexler Obituary
After a 7 year struggle with Alzheimer's Disease, Merida Lee Free Wexler died in her home on March 21, 2017.
Merida was born April 11, 1939 in Rochester, New York and grew up in Delmar, New York. She studied acting at Carnegie Mellon University and Hedgerow Theatre in Pennsylvania and attended Goddard College in Vermont and Hinds Community College in Mississippi before receiving her degree in dance and Spanish at the University of New Mexico in 1980.
She met Joseph Wexler in New York City and they married in 1962. In 1964, Joe and Merida moved to New Mexico. Merida was an active person who loved travelling & outdoor adventures, including skiing and hiking in beautiful places in the US & other parts of the world. She also loved to swim, dance and sing which she did throughout the course of her life. Merida was a feminist scholar specializing in women's spirituality. She devoted much of her life to the creation of a strong and loving community of like-minded women in Albuquerque. This community has performed a variety of ceremonies celebrating the female spirit for decades.
Merida is survived by her husband Joe, her three children: Lieb, Rachel, and Perdita, her three grandchildren: Gemma, Elijah, and Rhys and her sister Carol Barnes.
A memorial celebration of her life will take place in May. Donations in her name can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Merida Wexler
grace graupe-pillard
October 9, 2022
Merida was a friend in New Mexico when I moved there from NYC in the early 1970s. She became a friend and a
great comfort to me. The culture shock coming from a big crowded city to the wide open sky was mitigated by her presence. The whole family felt familiar and their lifestyle was like a breath of fresh air. My deepest condolences to all who were touched by her.
Mike Johnson
May 2, 2017
I am very saddened by this loss to our world. Merida was a beautiful soul who always made me feel welcomed and loved, a true member of the Wexler family. When my own mother passed away 21 years ago Merida was very kind, considerate and thoughtfully supportive of me in my grieving. I'll always remember and be grateful for the wonderful ceremony she conjured up to celebrate the birth of my daughter Gemma, her first grandchild. My thoughts and prayers for peace and comfort go out to you Joe, Lieb, Rachel and Dita at this difficult time. You have lost a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and so much more. I hope you are able to find solace in the fact that she inspired many with her grace during her all-too short a time with us.
George Tapley
April 18, 2017
Merida was a wonderful soul. Over the years since meeting her in the early 80's I was fortunate enough to have many wonderful conversations with her. In so many ways she was my 2nd mother and someone whose opinion I valued. She will be missed. I know that she leaves a hole with her family.
Carolyn Kinsman
April 17, 2017
My very deepest condolences to you all. Merida was a wonderful light in this world, and she surely will continue to shine through you all.
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April 17, 2017
My condolences to the Wexler family. I discovered a lot of new wonderful things about Merida after reading her obituary. She was a courageous woman who loved her art.
Ross Coates
April 17, 2017
So very sorry to hear of Merida's passing. We send our love and condolences. Sincerely...Ross Coates and family
Max Airborne
April 17, 2017
Sending love and tenderness to Joe, Rachel, Perdita, Lieb and everyone feeling this loss. Holding you all in my heart.
Sheila Freehill
April 16, 2017
I am sending my love to Perdita, Rachel and family. You are all in my heart at this time.
Susan Panitch
April 5, 2017
Our Beloved Merida, my friend, my teacher, creatrix of joy & laughter & meaning & wisdom! I am so thankful for every moment we spent together. Much Love & Peace to you and to all your friends and family! Blessed Be!
Lana Panitch
April 5, 2017
Merida, sending love to your soul and to your family. I feel so lucky to have spent special time with you, and am so grateful my Aunt Susan had you such a great friend for many years. Missing you and praying for you. Love, Lana
Mariko Ballentine
April 4, 2017
My love to Joe and Perdita and the entire family...including her wonderful ABQ family who I was honored to experience because of my dear Cousins Cathy & Jim Greig. Always in my heart, Mariko
Perdita Wexler
April 4, 2017
Perdita Wexler
April 4, 2017
Perdita Wexler
April 4, 2017
Christina Miles
April 3, 2017
Will greatly miss this beautiful, graceful, loving. woman and friend. She left us way too soon.
Karen Carlisle
April 3, 2017
And she spread her love of making ceremony in honor of the feminine to Alaska and created that same loving community of women making ceremony together. I have missed her presence for years.
Julie Kelly
April 3, 2017
My friendship with Merida goes back to grade school ... many, many moons ago. She was certainly one of the most unique women in my circle, then & now ... very much her own person. I could write so much more about her specialness -- but want to merely say that I am honored to have had her as a friend, even though when she moved from the east coast to the southwest, we didn't see that much of each other. Our phone conversations were always filled with the shared joy of music, traveling to exotic places, and, of course, our families. May she rest in peace.
Julie Cardozo
April 3, 2017
Merida and I had such lovely talks while sitting on our shared wall on Ridge Place. I always felt better about the world after our conversations.
April 3, 2017
As you remember your beloved one, may our Father the God of peace give you comfort and peace in every way today, tomorrow, and always. Please accept my sincere condolences. Ps 94:18-19
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