Bernice (Merrill) Fletcher

Mrs. Bernice "Aunt Bea" (Merrill) Fletcher, a longtime resident of Wakefield, passed away into God's eternal care on Sunday, August 19, 2012 at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, at the age of 98. Bernice was born on November 14, 1913 in Boston, a daughter of the late Herbert G. Merrill and Mary (Philpot) Merrill. One of five children, Bernice was lovingly known by friends and family alike as "Aunt Bea." For 15 years, she worked in the accounting department of American Mutual Insurance Company in Wakefield. Aunt Bea was a member of the Wakefield Senior Center where she enjoyed knitting many winter hats and scarves for the servicemen overseas. Bernice also enjoyed Indian Arts and Crafts, and proudly made the first Indian costumes for the Wakefield Majorettes. Her family will remember her as a caring and giving person who had a special place in her heart for animals of all types. To say that she was an animal lover would be an understatement. She helped nurse many baby animals back to health and was always on the lookout for possums, cats, raccoons, and squirrels that needed a loving touch or caring hand. She was even known to have tamed feral cats. She loved travelling and spending time with her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She was the loving wife of the late Frederick R. Fletcher. Devoted mother of Frederick R. Fletcher and his wife Carol of Randolph. Loving foster mother of Linda Leone of Charlestown, and Diane Jean White of FL. Dear sister of the late Ralph H. Merrill, Roger Merrill, Doris Fennelly, and Olive Fanjoy. Cherished grandmother of Joy B. Johnson and her late husband John of Sanbornville, NH, Scott R. Fletcher and his wife Lisa of Easton, Debbie Felix and her partner Gerry Shannon of Woburn, Sandra J. Andreassi and her husband Anthony of Walpole, Steve R. Fletcher and his wife Helene of Oslo, Norway, Bruce E. Fletcher and his fiancé Sheri Ames of Madison, WI, and Dan Felix of Randolph. Loving great-grandmother of Matt, Kim, Aislinn, Bonnie, Becky, Scott, Dan, Deanna, Diana, Mandy, Julie, Nick, Mike, Breanna, Glenn, Kennett, and Ethan. Loving great-great grandmother of Ellie, Luke, Lilly, and Maddy. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends will honor and remember Bernice's life by gathering for visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Thursday, August 23 from 4-8 PM and again for her Funeral Service celebrated on Friday at 10:30 AM. Interment in Forest Glade Cemetery, Wakefield. Gifts in her memory may be made to PAWS, PO Box 1842, Wakefield, MA 01880.