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Merri Sullivan Obituary
Merri Kay Sullivan of Gainesville died peacefully September 17, 2009 after a long and brave battle with breast cancer. She was born February 14, 1965 in Aurora, Illinois to David and Patricia Schramer. She was a graduate of Lakewood High School in St. Petersburg and earned an A.A. degree in Fashion Design from the International Academy of Design and Technology in Tampa.
Merri was a loving wife and mother who made the world around her a more beautiful place. She was an expert seamstress and was adept in the decorative arts. She created a splendid botanical garden around her home. She will be remembered for her marvelous cooking and especially for her beautiful and delicious cakes. She also enjoyed travel and bicycling. Her wonderful sense of humor and love of fun will be greatly missed by her family and her many friends.
She is survived by her parents David and Patricia Schramer of Port Orange, FL, her devoted husband John A. "Chip" Sullivan, her daughter Alexandra Lauren Sullivan, her son Riley Joseph Sullivan, her grandson Grayson Sullivan Sapp, all of Gainesville, her sisters Margaret and husband Frank Asher of Cumming, GA, and Carolyn and husband Kevin Trosine and nephews Lucas and Logan Trosine, all of Oviedo, FL.
Burial will be on September 20th at Lakeside Memory Gardens in Eustis in a private ceremony. A memorial service to celebrate Merri's life will be held September 25th at 5:00 pm at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, 4700 SW 58th Drive. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Haven Hospice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Merri Sullivan
Sponsored by someone who loves merri.
December 10, 2009
We miss you more everyday. There are so many reminders of you in the beautiful art you created for us.
Think about you everyday my beautiful girl.
Love you always,
Mom and Dad
Donna Schramer
November 16, 2009
I am so very sorry to hear about Merri. It is hard to believe as she was my cousin. I didn't really know her as an adult, however; have many good memories from when we were growing up. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathy (Schramer) Krant
November 13, 2009
I have happy memories growing up and spending time together with cousins Merri, Carolyn and Margaret in Illinois and on family visits to Florida. After reading all the wonderful tributes, I only wish I had gotten the chance to know Merri as the wonderful woman she had become. With deepest sympathy. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Nelson Garlo
September 28, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Robin Barnes
September 27, 2009
We have lost an angel but Merri has joined the angels in the galaxy. I think of Merri and Chip every time I look at the beautiful fence they built and painted for me in my yard and the lovely breakfast nook they built. Both with Merri's gorgeous artistic touch. I feel very blessed to have known Merri and her calmness and beauty. My prayers are with Chip and family. Chip, a grandpa, wow. Fun, fun. Chip is always so full of fun. May heavens light shine on all the family and friends.
Robin Barnes
Jeanne Wilson
September 26, 2009
Chip, Alex & Riley -
When I think of Merri, I remember her beauty, her talent, her sweet disposition, and the great love she had for her family. The impact of her loss is superseded only by the impact her life has had on others. I'm very grateful to have met her. My prayers are with you.
Stevel & Linds
September 25, 2009
Thank you for always bringing bright colors, a warm heart, strength, and a great sense of humor to every occasion. You will be greatly missed but never forgotten. We are truly grateful to have your artwork as a great reminder and every tandem bike ride is in your honor! Purple orchids will forever bloom in your memory.
Gina Hawkins
September 24, 2009
This past week has been filled with so many memories of Merri. I can hear her laughter when I think of her, and what a great laugh she had! She was such a bright and beautiful woman who touched us all so profoundly. And her artistic talents were truly awesome. We are all so blessed to be able to look at her many works of art, to be with her family and many friends, and be able to recapture some of her energy. This is her gift to us.
We look forward to sharing our love and memories of Merri and hope these will sustain you during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy and admiration of your strength,
Gayle Severson
September 24, 2009
Chip, Alex, Riley, Uncle Dave, and Aunt Pat,
Just want to send our deepest sympathy upon the loss of Merri. After reading through the messages left from friends and family, Merri was a wonderful and fun loving person who will be greatly missed. I have many great memories from our childhood in Illinois. I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers and know that Merri will be forever in your hearts.
Love,
Steven and Gayle (Schramer) Severson
The Vincenti Family
September 24, 2009
May you and your family be blessed with strength and hope to accompany the beautiful memories of a wonderful person and truly creative soul.
Aloha Merri.
Sandy Gayle
September 23, 2009
Dearest Chip, Alex and Riley,
Not gone, now resides, Merri, an angel in our hearts.
Much love, Sandy
Michael Piscoran
September 23, 2009
Chip, finding the right words may take some time...but be assured that Merri is in a truly restful and peaceful eternity. The reasons for these matters are found in our faith and the support of your family will help too!
While we were not very close, our memories of Merri, her talents and kind nature will be fondly remembered.
We wish you and your family did not have to endure this tragic loss, but be assured you will all be in our prayers.
With our deepest sympathies,
Mike & Sue Piscoran
Wheaton, IL
September 23, 2009
Chip,
Our World's Loss
Heaven's Gain
May the beautiful memories of Merri comfort you and your family, for now and forever.
With my Deepest Sympathies,
Don Grierson
Ron Combs
September 22, 2009
Chip, Alex & Riley
If ever a name describe the aura of a peson, Merri's did.
She will be missed by many.
I am sorry for your loss.
Gina Ringle
September 22, 2009
Aunt Pat & Uncle Dave:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. Merri will be greatly missed and she is now God's angel looking over all of us.
Much Love to both of you.
Gina (Schramer) and Jay Ringle
Marcy Wilson
September 22, 2009
Chip, Caroly, Alex, Riley, Pat and Dave,
We're going to miss Merri, but know it is nothing to the loss you are experiencing. It's been hard these last few months not being able to call and say, "come over for dinner, let's make some cosmos."
Whenever I think of Merri, I think of beauty. She is beautiful, she creates so much beauty around her, and it seemed so effortless.
Whenever I see a beautiful orchid, or a breathtaking garden, or have a melt in your mouth dessert, I'll think of her. As long as we remember her, she'll be with us.
Hopefully, you'll find peace with her passing.
Love,
Marcy & Tim
Dee Johnson
September 22, 2009
Dear Chip, Alex, & Riley,
Just wanted you to know that our entire family was very saddened to her of Merri's passing. I know we have lost touch since the happy days on N.W. 36th St. and I feel really bad that I never took the time to stop by on my many visits back to Gainesville. My loss! Due to losing Wayne's father 6 years ago and several friends recently losing or fighting their battle with the dereaded "C" word, we know exactly what your family has been through. Find comfort in knowing that her pain and sufferig is over and that she is in a better place.
My fondest memory of Merri is the beautiful quilt that she made using womens gloves that used to hang in your entryway. She was an extremely talented and creative woman. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do to help. We live in Crystal River now and would love for you guys to come for a visit. Our sincere condolences, Wayne, Dee, Deanna & Eric Johnson
Tony and Connie Snell
September 22, 2009
God Bless your family at your time of loss and grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Carolyn
September 22, 2009
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Emily Wilson
September 21, 2009
Dear Ones, What a beautiful picture of Merri. It captures her spirt here on earth in a lovely way. Now that she is free from the body that failed her, we who remain behind must pull together for comfort and support. I am looking forward to Friday.
With love,
Emily
Jen Ambrose Cotter
September 21, 2009
"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson {paraphrasing Bessie Stanley}
Merri must have read this at some point, because as I reflect on her life, it seemed to be the code she lived by.
On breathing easier . . I'm remembering a late-breaking invitation we received to a New Years Eve party at the Sullivans a few years ago, when I did indeed breathe a sigh of relief. Suddenly, I knew with absolute certainty that we were going to have a great night! And it was, with fireworks raining on that magical garden of hers, food galore, laughter, laughter, laughter, and children everywhere glowing with the enchantment.
I'm grateful to have known such a beautiful woman, and offer my deepest sympathies to her Mother, and condolences to her entire family.
Sincerely,
Susan Waterson
September 21, 2009
Chip: Accept my deepest sympathies, To you and Merri family.
Kind Regards, Susan Waterson
Chele
September 21, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
sherry ehrenreich
September 21, 2009
after hearing the news about merri i was standing by my glass window thinking of her & a hummingbird flew up& began feasting on the purple flowers...a hummingbird sighting is a rarity for me so i know i had been blessed with a message from her... i will think of merri whenever i see a hummingbird...an event i am sure will occur now with greater frequency...
Lee Edwards
September 21, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Ronald Rodgers
September 21, 2009
To my co-worker Chip and the family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Merri's blog was a inspiration to my family as my wife went through treatments for breast cancer. Merri's brave battle with this horrible disease was a inspiration to us. Thanks for sharing her with us and take comfort in knowing the LORD don't make mistakes. Merri is in a much better place where there is no more breast cancer. We should look forward to the day being able to seeing her again in heaven.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL
September 21, 2009
Aunt Marri,
God saw you getting tired and a
cure was not to be,
So he put his arms around you
and whispered "Come to me".
With tearful eyes we watched you,
and saw you pass away, And though
we loved you dearly,
we could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
hard-working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to
us, He only takes the best.
You will be missed!!!!
Love,
James and Patty.
Brian Bonbrake
September 20, 2009
My deepest sympathy to you and your family... She certainly made a difference in this world, and her children and grandchildren are a fitting and loving legacy.
Katy Sullivan
September 20, 2009
Alex,
I know it has been a long and painful journey for you and your family, but know now that your mom is in a better place where there is no more pain. If you need anything at all,know that I'm here and all you need to do is pick up the phone. You are in my prayers as well as Chrissy's! We love you!
September 20, 2009
Merri - daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and friend, wore many 'hats'. Anything Martha Stewart did, Merri could do better. People are amazed to look around her home and see the many creations that surround you, faux painted walls, beautiful hand made painted decorations galore (you quickly stop asking, "you did that?!"). This also spread outside her home as you are in awe of the peaceful, plentiful gardens and pond.
She was a fun loving person and was fun to be around. She treated everyone to her decadent desserts that included quite a repertoire of chocolate delights! She was an avid gator fan - well OK, maybe not so much), but would sport the occasional gator shirt for the team.
She has touched many, many people.
She IS deeply missed.
Penny
Darren LaFrance
September 20, 2009
Merri has been my friend for nearly 30 years. We had a lot of fun, goofy times years ago but we also stayed in touch and created fun memories more recently. Merri was a special person with a no nonsense but loving personality. She never whined, complained or did a "whoa-is-me" type of thing through her long journey with cancer. We will miss her. We think of her family and hope the very best for them.
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