Patricia Alice Lane

With profound sadness, our family announces the passing of Patricia Alice (Merry) Lane, 88 at Harmony Homes by the Bay in Durham, NH, on Saturday, December 20 2025. She was the beloved wife of the late Wallace (Sonny) Edward Lane of Ipswich, MA.
Pat was born in Danvers, MA on January 16, 1937 and was raised in Essex, MA by her late parents Rose (Griffin) Merry and Russell Herman Merry, along with her late sister Margaret Elizabeth (Davis) and late brother Thomas Griffin Merry. Pat attended Essex schools and then graduated from Gloucester High School. Soon after high school, she fell in love and married the love of her life, Sonny. Pat and Sonny settled in Ipswich MA to raise their two children, David and Deborah.
Pat is survived by her son, David Lane and his wife, Stephanie of Ipswich and her daughter, Deborah Bronson and her husband David of Dover, NH; her four grandchildren Shannon Jamieson (husband John), David Lane, Jr. (wife Gia), Robert Lane (partner Christina) and Caleigh Bronson; and one great grand-daughter, Sadie Jamieson. She is also survived by her loving goddaughter, Lee Ann Mercando (niece, daughter of Margaret Davis, husband Dr. Anthony Mercando) and many other nieces, nephews and cousins.
For many years, Pat worked at Hill's Family Store in downtown Ipswich until it closed its doors due to a major fire. She made life-long friends from the store and became very connected to returning customers. Before and after working at Hill's, Pat cleaned houses for a living finally giving it up at age 70. At that time, she moved to Stratham, NH to live with her daughter and family. Pat took great pride in everything she did. She was very talented and creative with many hobbies most notably knitting sweaters, braiding rugs and creating beautiful framed counted cross stitch pieces.
When her children were young, Pat was an active member of the First Church in Ipswich where she helped administer Sunday School at the Shatswell School location, assisted with many events and sang in the choir.
After moving to Stratham, Pat became an avid reader, reading 3-4 books per week. The staff at Wiggin Memorial Library grew very fond of Pat, not only keeping her well supplied with newest releases, but also checking in on her often.
In her final two years, Pat lived at Harmony Homes at the Bay Assisted Living/Memory Care in Durham. Pat came into her own in this community. She captured the hearts of all the staff with her spirited and sassy personality. She quickly became one of the favorites to care for and spend time with, honored with several endearing nicknames. Pat's family sends a special thank you to the staff for their loving care and comfort they provided Pat. The family also extends a sincere thank you to The Residence at Silver Square Memory Care community in Dover, NH for their compassionate care for Pat during the two years prior to Harmony Homes.
Funeral services for Pat are private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Pat's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, 320 Nevada St. Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460 or online at. Arrangements by the Campbell Funeral Home, 6 High Street, Ipswich. Condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.