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CHOU MERRILL Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for CHOU MERRILL
50 Entries
Rich Gleason
July 6, 2024
Chou Chou was like a big sister to me. I never had sisters and it was always good to have someone like her to talk to. When she worked at her father's jewelry store (in her 20's and me in teens), she used to help me discuss rings and things that I'd buy for girlfriends. Of course, she'd fully "investigate" the situation and give me advice. I reconnected with her on FB and we picked up where we left off. In recent years, I'd return home to Westport frequently and would often catch up with her for an ice cream at Carvels or a bowl of soup at the diner. We'd talk about gardening, cooking, politics, art and fashion for hours. In the days before the Thanksgiving she passed, we'd made arrangements for my young daughters to visit her in Brookline in the week before Christmas to spend a day making cookies and other holiday delights. I was really looking forward for my daughters to spend time with this remarkable woman, get to know her cheerful personality and learn from her to embrace life. She is still dearly missed even these many years later.
Eliot Schickler
November 27, 2023
I saw Chou Chou less than a month before her passing, and her passing shocked me because she was too young and looked good! I was even more pleasantly surprised when she told me she was from Westport, CT! I was looking forward to talking with her in-depth about Westport, some of the characters I know from Staples High, and who I firmly believed she knew too! It's a bummer we never got to talk about Westport, and it's an even bigger bummer you're no longer here because you're a good soul who was too young to leave us!
Bob Kelly
November 25, 2023
I still think of her and her friendship for so many decades. She was a light in my life since our teen years. We all miss Chou Chou.
Bob Kelly
November 27, 2020
I still miss her exuberance and friendship since our 9th grade school. I think of her often.
Gretchen Ullrich
January 27, 2016
Oh Chou, gone far too soon. You will be missed, dear friend. Michael, Matthew, Cameron, Warren, and Lia: my heart is with you. Sincerely, Gretchen
Gretchen Ullrich
January 27, 2016
One year on, dearest Chou... Missing you and your positive, sunny outlook. Lot of love, Gretchen
Jill Odice
January 27, 2016
Thank you for all the smiles and laughter you brought into my life Chou Chou. You will never be forgotten. You touch so many lives with your smile, big heart, wit and generous self. You are a Westport legend and we know we are from Westport if we can call you a friend.
William Agar
January 27, 2016
My heart, soul, love and prayers are with all of the family members and friends gathered for Chou's funeral. Your sudden loss , of her great presence is indescribable.
Dave Chenok
January 27, 2016
I did not know Chou Chou, but felt like I did through her Facebook posts. Her optimistic, enthusiastic posts always brightened my day. I will miss her.
Paul Trahon
January 27, 2016
On behalf of the men and women of The Brookline Fire Fighters Association Local 950 IAFF, we send our deepest condolences to the entire Merrill family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Paul B Trahon President Brookline Fire Fighters Local 950 IAFF
Ellen Strauss
October 4, 2015
Dear Michael - I am so sorry to just learn of Chou's Chou's passing. We knew each other decades ago through her mother, Roz. Therefore, I was puzzled at the name of her mother published above. Would you kindly explain this for me. I am Ellen L.F. Strauss of Weston, CT where I practice law. You and I may have met before you and Chou Chou were married when we were all very young. I hope you get this message. Thank you, Ellen. P.S. My email address is [email protected] and my telephone #is 203-226-5080.
March 9, 2015
Dear Mike, Matthew and Cameron,
I am so sorry to hear of your sudden loss of Chou Chou - wonderful vibrant Lady. Accept my heartfelt condolences and sympathy.
Marsha Friedman
Joe Parisi
January 4, 2015
Michael and boys, please accept my heartfelt condolences and sympathy for your loss. I was a mortgage consultant in the Boston area when I first met Chou Chou who made everyone feel special. I reconnected with her on Facebook over the past few years and enjoyed the daily banter. She will be missed by all. May God comfort you in your grief. God Bless!
Doug Melcher
December 11, 2014
Just heard about Chou Chou, so sad, so young! a real estate legend, and a wonderfully spirited and kind woman. My condolences to Mike and her family.
Alyce Hill
December 10, 2014
Dear Merrill Men...Sometimes there are just no words...but may the love filled, wonderful memories of all you shared with your wonderful wife and mother bring you some comfort at this time of sorrow. My deepest sympathy and hope that the love and concern that surrounds you now, brings a modicum of strength and peace to you all.
Alyce Hill
The Desmond-Eavey Family
December 5, 2014
Dear Mike,
Although we now live in Nashville, our special memories include the Heath School days with your beautiful home across the street, and your happy and energetic wife bringing her enthusiastic spirit to all of us.She was always happy, always smiling, and it was such a pleasure to just be around her. We well remember her community contributions,and Brookline has so benefited from her years of service as a Town Meeting member. We remember her cheering on the soccer fields while you were coaching, and our 2 boys,Roland and Ryan, and our daughter Elizabeth, were all running their hardest. Our family all marched together in the Flag Day Parade, and we so admired Chou Chou's work with the Senior Center and the Brookline Community Fund. You and your family have been so kind and considerate to us over the years and our hearts go out to you now at this time of terrible loss. Her spirit lives on in all of you and you will carry it with you forever...Matt and Cam, we are thinking about you during this very sad season, and we send all of you strength and stamina so that you may sustain each other as you go forward together...
Our most sincere sympathy to you and to all of your family and dear friends,
Sheila and Ron,Elizabeth, Roland and Ryan
December 4, 2014
Mike, I was sadden to hear of Chou Chou's passing. She was a wonderful woman and I have many wonderful memories of her. My thoughts are with you and the boys.
Patty Libbey
Mary Palmieri Gai
December 4, 2014
Unspeakable loss for everyone who knew her. More than anyone I knew, she was the heart of her family. My deepest condolences.
December 4, 2014
I worked with Chou Chou in real estate many years ago; saw her often on 'campus' in Brookline throughout the years... Chou Chou always had a smile on her face. My heartfelt condolences to the family on her passing. Priscilla Green
Alison Levins
December 3, 2014
Mike, I am sorry to hear of your recent loss. Chou Chou will be remembered as an amazing woman.
Sheryl Sarkis
December 3, 2014
Mike:
So sorry to hear about the sudden loss of your wife. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Sharon Brown
December 3, 2014
I haven't seen or spoken to Chou Chou in a few years but I will always remember and cherish the great times we had together watching our boys play baseball. She was such an inspiration.
Susan Leary
December 3, 2014
What a vibrant force! What a presence! From all I have heard and seen of Chou Chou, she lived and did more in 62 years than anyone else would in 124! I only saw her on the fringes of Brookline Selectmen activities, but her enthusiasm and passion, her genuine kindness and desire to help everyone have touched me to this day. My deepest condolences to all. Susan Leary (daughter of Dick Leary).
December 3, 2014
Mike and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
Our thoughts are with you.
Greg Salvatore
Peter Belmont
December 3, 2014
Chou Chou, you came to Brookline as a newlywed in 1973 so that Michael could attend B.U. Law School. It was an adventure and a risk for a young couple dealing with the unknown of a new home and both hoping for successful careers. And that risk paid off for both of you. I met Mike that first year and we became the closest of friends. Your home on Tappan Street became a focal point for gatherings of Mike's law school friends both to study and to party. You always opened your door to us, and your warm welcoming made us feel at home. It was the beginning of an amazing 15 years of close friendship for the Merrills and the Belmontes. Mike and you were in our wedding. We shared the joy of the births of our first borns, Joe and Matt, and Mike and I started a law partnership in Boston. Life was great. It still was for both of us even after life's circumstances led us on different paths. And even though we didn't see each other very much recently I always looked forward to your Christmas card which I could always identify immediately with your beautiful handwriting. Losing you so young was a cruel blow for your wonderful family and friends. I am so sorry I did not get a chance to say goodbye. I just want you to know that the memory of our friendship will always be held close in my heart.
Love,
Pete
December 2, 2014
I know you all are still in shock as am I Your Wife and Mother was one of the funnest people I have ever had the honor to know. One of a kind,the kindest,most caring person I know.Oh how she loved everyone but you guys....she loved you so much. My deepest sympathies go out to your family.You are all in my heart and in my Prayers.Love Sarah O'Neill
Lenore French
December 2, 2014
I am sincerely saddened by Chou Chou's passing. Though fellow classmates at Staples, we traveled in different circles as students and crossed paths as adults via Facebook. What I admired most about Chou Chou is that she truly embodied the meaning of open-hearted compassion. She never let a difference of opinion get in the way of caring. She will sorely be missed.
Jean Simeone
December 2, 2014
My heartfelt sympathy to the entire Merrill family. It was a privilege to have known such a wonderful, vibrant lady.
December 2, 2014
So sorry for your loss. I met Chou Chou on Facebook and also grew up in Westport.She embraced everyone she met and felt like I knew her personally. She will be sorely missed!
December 2, 2014
None of you knew me but Chou and I went to school together. I got to know her better recently. She was a very special lady in every sense of the word. The world is a colder place without her. My heart goes out to you all. My thoughts and prayers follow.
Patrice Boyd
Janine Berry
December 2, 2014
I live in the UK, and met Chou Chou on Facebook through a mutual friend. I never met her in person, and new that I probably never would, but I always felt safe in the knowledge that she was always there, to have a laugh, a giggle and a chat with.
She made such a great impact on me, and other friends, just by being Chou….
I feel quite lost knowing that our paths will never cross again.
My heart goes out to her family and friends, she will always live on in the hearts of everyone that she touched.
Rest In Peace Chou, I hope we meet up sometime in the future.
Goodnight and God Bless
?
Lenny DelVecchio
December 2, 2014
Mike, Mat and Cam,
I can't express how sorry I am to hear about the passing of Chou Chou. She was one of the most charismatic people I have ever met. Always smiling and welcoming; a beautiful soul. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lenny DelVecchio and Family
Michael Gackstetter
December 2, 2014
Mike, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, especially now during this very difficult time.
December 2, 2014
I have known Chou Chou for many years, she was such a great and wonderful person She always had a smile on her face. She would come into Town Hall just to say HI. I will
miss her great smile
Bob Kelly
December 2, 2014
Chou Chou will be remembered and missed. She enhanced all of her friends' lives. My condolences to her beautiful family.
Dale Nordling
December 2, 2014
Chou was a remarkable woman. She truly wanted to like everyone and, even if she disagreed with another's opinion, she could see beyond the superficial and get to the heart of what made each person good and unique. So many people are saying that she gave of herself to them, listening and offering encouragement and advice in a difficult situation--She gave me that gift also, and she kept the confidences, never sharing what was not hers to share. She was highly intelligent, witty, intuitive, careing, and so full of energy and presence that it's hard to accept that she's really gone. I miss her greatly.
Eliot Schickler
December 2, 2014
Chou Chou was a great woman and I'm shocked to hear this horrible news! My condolences to her husband Michael and their two sons! May she rest in Peace!
December 1, 2014
I saw Chou last month at the Senior Center benefit, where as usual, she was supporting a good cause. I can still see her standing in front of Heath School on every election day. Hugs to you all. Love, Suzanne Salamon
December 1, 2014
To Mike, Matt and Cam--we were stunned and so sad to hear the terrible news. Our sincere, heartfelt condolences. We have so many good memories of Chou as friend, and neighbor, and incredibly proud and devoted wife, mom and friend to her legion of friends. She will be missed. Again, our sincere condolences. Alan Einhorn, Suzanne Salamon, Alexandra, and David
Adrienne (Cote') Lambert
December 1, 2014
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Chou's entire family, both related and FB family. She has touched the lives of so many people near and far and will be greatly missed.
December 1, 2014
Chou Chou founded and maintained websites for her beloved cohort from hometown Westport, CT. Her unique role in sustaining their sense of community only added to the incredible wide circle of "her people". This was a woman who would concern herself with the well being of even the most remotely associated contacts as if no person anywhere were a stranger to her. Some sort od memorial will be placed in her honor in the hometown she still remained a part of after 41 years of a fully involved life in Brookline, MA.She will be sadly missed by so many whose lives she touched on a daily basis.
Marcy Fralick
December 1, 2014
Chou was the spark that made a very reluctant me attend our 40th high school reunion at Staples in 2010. She had such passion and enthusiasm for everything in life, it was enviable. My deepest condolences to Mike, Matt and Cameron.
December 1, 2014
With so many fond memories we will be able to reminisce and smile when we celebrate Chou Chou and everything she did to enrich everyone's lives.
Bettie and Jim Nickerson
December 1, 2014
Mike and the boys, Chou Chou was one the kindest people I've ever known... I'll never forget her..... Me deepest condolences..Kevin Fallon
Karen Huppi Vail
December 1, 2014
As a former Westporter we shared many memories on Facebook, I never was able to meet Chou in person, but she was so supportive and loving and funny. Her Facebook friends are devastated by her loss. My condolences to her family, who I know she loved very much.
Seana Gaherin
December 1, 2014
Let me be the first to say this woman was exceptional! A heart so large we all fit in and she made each and everyone of us think we were so special!
We love you girl! Good Night and God Bless ! Love you , and look forward to when we meet again .
Love Seana
Jeff Jackson
December 1, 2014
Her genuine concern for others.
Jill Stockman
December 1, 2014
Chou, you left us far too soon -- you will be missed by so many. You were one of a kind -- so much fun, so caring, funny, smart, social, curious and generous. And so in love with your three "boys".
My most heartfelt condolences to Michael, Cameron, Matthew and the rest of the family. May the many wonderful memories of her help to ease your pain.
God Bless.
Cindy Plummer
December 1, 2014
As so many others have already said, Chou will be missed by more than she could have imagined. There aren't enough tears
Susan Theorin
December 1, 2014
I will miss her way of making me feel so important to her. I will miss her spark and enthusiasm for life. I will miss her dedication to her family, Brookline, and Westport, CT. I will miss her!
Showing 1 - 50 of 50 results
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Dec
3
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Bell-O'Dea Funeral Home - Brookline376 Washington St, Brookline, MA 02445
Dec
4
Memorial service
1:00 p.m.
Pine Manor College, Founder's Room
400 Heath Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02445
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Bell-O'Dea Funeral Home - Brookline376 Washington St, Brookline, MA 02445
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