Obituary
Guest Book
STERLING – Marion I. (Montville) Merchant, 97, beloved wife of the late Donald F. Merchant, Sr., passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family, on Thursday, December 11, 2025. Born in Millbury and raised in Hopkinton, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Celia (Reil) Montville.
Soon after graduating from Hopkinton High School, she met and married her future husband, Donald F. Merchant. Together they settled in Northborough where they raised their family. Marion enjoyed being a homemaker and mother to their eight children.
After raising her family, she spent the next 30 years in Brooksville, FL. She was very active and enjoyed line dancing several times a week with her friends. Marion was very adventurous and loved to travel to faraway lands including China, Alaska and Europe, but her favorite destination was always Pine Island, FL. In her later years, she could often be found coloring on her iPad or finishing a puzzle or two.
She will be lovingly missed and remembered by her children, Mary Blanchard and her husband, Jay of Sterling, Cheryl Mattison and her husband, Chris of Sterling, Kevin Merchant and his wife, Naomi of Harmony, FL, Peter Merchant and his wife, Robin of Gardner and Thomas Merchant and his wife, Eppie of Leominster; her daughter-in-law, Susan Merchant of Sutton; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her infant son, Brian Merchant, her son, Donald F. Merchant, Jr., and her daughter, Michelle Segur. three brothers; and her sister.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the care of Miles-Sterling Funeral & Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling. www.milesfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more