Joan Mary Merrill

Joan Mary Merrill obituary, Plattsburgh, NY

Joan Mary Merrill

Joan Merrill Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by R.W. Walker Funeral Home and Cremation Service - Plattsburgh on Feb. 18, 2026.
Joan Mary Merrill, 75, of Plattsburgh, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones on Monday, February 16, 2026 at UVM Medical Center in Burlington.

She was born on September 28, 1950, the daughter of Henry and Rita (Broderick) Gonyea.

Joan grew up on Chateaugay Lake and graduated from Ellenburg Central School in 1968. She attended Champlain Valley Nursing school and was a graduate of Our Lady of Victory Secretarial School. She married Ronald Merrill and celebrated 54 years of marriage with him.

Joan enjoyed reading and writing. She was very artistic, loved gardening and was a great cook.

Survivors include her loving husband, Ronald Merrill; daughters Tricia Peerman (Larry) and Michele Merrill; grandchildren, Dillon Peerman, Katelyn Peerman and Jessica Merrill; sister, Margaret Talford (Fred); as well as several cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents.

Calling hours will be held from 4:00 to 6:00pm on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at the R.W. Walker Funeral Home in Plattsburgh. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am on Friday, February 20, 2026 at St. John's Church in Plattsburgh. Burial will be at a later date.

Donations in memory of Joan may be made to St. Jude’s.

To share a memory or condolence with the tamily, please visit rwwalkerfh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the R.W. Walker Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh, NY.

To send a flower arrangement in memory of Joan Mary Merrill, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Make a Donation
in Joan Merrill's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

People and places connected with Joan
How to support Joan's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Joan Merrill's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Joan Merrill's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?