Catherine F. Merchant

Catherine F. "Kay" Merchant of Ballston Spa passed away on September 5, 2025, at the age of 93 with her son and daughter-in-law by her side. She was born in Troy, NY on April 22, 1932, the daughter of the late Anthony and Mary (Bazycki) Fields. In 1944 the family moved to Wynantskill, NY

After graduating from Averill Park Central School in 1950 she worked as a secretary at St. John's Episcopal Church in Troy until her marriage in 1952 to Richard A. Merchant of Ballston Spa. She was employed by Streever Insurance Agency in Ballston Spa leaving in 1959 for employment at The Charlton School (for Girls) in Burnt Hills, retiring in 2000 as Executive Assistant to the Director. For the following 19 years she served as the Burnt Hills Fire District Treasurer, retiring in 2019.

She was a member of the Calvary Episcopal Church of Burnt Hills, BHFD Auxiliary and the Charlton Seniors. She and her husband were members of 4 antique car clubs: Model T Ford Club of America, Automobilists of the Upper Hudson Valley, Mohawk Antique Auto Club and the Capital District Cadillac Club participating in car shows and parades with their 1973 Cadillac Convertible and 1910 Model T Brass Ford restored by her husband Dick and son Rick.

Kay enjoyed time spent with family and friends at their camp at Great Sacandaga Lake as well as helping at the family owned Merchant Orchards Roadside Market and Cider Mill on Charlton Road. She is so grateful to her son, Richard V. "Rick" and daughter-in-law, Candy, for the years of care they provided her, allowing her to remain home during her senior years. Kay is also thankful to Nancy and Richard Lawson (Candy's parents) for their many kindnesses and including her in holiday and family occasions. Thank you to her special friends for keeping in touch.

She was pre-deceased by her beloved husband of nearly 57 years; her parents; sister, Mary Ann Bristol; baby sister, Anne Marie Fields; brother, Michael Fields; brother-in-law, Steven Lee Merchant and nephew, Jerry Plekan.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Candy Merchant; sister-in-law, Shirley (Merchant) Geier; sister-in-law, Lois Fields; several nieces and nephews; and close family friend Kevin Hayes.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Armer family of Armer Funeral Home, Inc., and to the Doctors and Nurses in the ICU and A Wing of Saratoga Hospital for their outstanding care and compassion for Kay and her family in her final weeks.

Deacon Marian Sive will officiate the funeral service on September 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Calvary Episcopal Church, 85 Lake Hill Road, Burnt Hills, NY with internment immediately following at Sweetman Cemetery, Sweetman Road, Charlton, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Episcopal Church, Building Fund, PO Box 41, Burnt Hills, NY 12027 or The Charlton School - Scholarship Fund, 322 Lake Hill Road, Burnt Hills, NY 12027.