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Beatrice Merchant Obituary
Bea was born April 14, 1919 to Charles Henry Tibbetts and Christine Louise (Locke) Tibbetts in Kittery Point, ME. She moved to Dover, NH in 1933 where she attended and graduated from Dover High School in 1937. It should be noted that she was a staunch supporter of the reunions this class organized over the last sixty plus years and greatly enjoyed the closeness of this group.
She was married to Arthur A. Merchant in 1938 and they had four sons. Bea accepted the raising of her four children as a primary purpose and dedicated herself to that effort. She struggled for many years as the sole provider of the family and was determined to succeed. She worked at General Electric in Somersworth, NH as a machine operator. Upon retirement, she was employed by Bill and Bob’s in Dover and later, for many years, at the Somersworth Hotel.
Bea really enjoyed a good laugh and had a keen sense of humor. She was very personable and had many enduring friendships in the local area. She had many hobbies over the years but was especially fascinated with the genealogy of her family.
Family members include four sons, Raymond A. Merchant of Dover, Robert A. Merchant and his wife Sharon of Rochester, Richard A. Merchant and his wife Lorraine of Titusville, FL, and Ronald A. Merchant and his wife Louise of Rochester, NH; three brothers, Charles H. Tibbetts of Oxnard, CA, Kenneth L. Tibbetts of Berwick, ME, Gordon R. Tibbetts of Berwick, ME; a sister, Helen F.Garnett of Orlando, FL; two grandchildren, Rodney A. Merchant of Atlanta, GA and Samantha A. Merchant of Rochester.
She was predeceased by her husband, Arthur A. Merchant in 1978, her brothers, Bernard E. Tibbetts, Roland W. Tibbetts, John A. Tibbetts and sisters, Eleanor L. Squillante, Phyllis R. Skoropowski, and Shirley M. Baker.
According to her wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral services. However, there will be a gathering at her residence at 29 Cedarbrook Drive, Dover on Thursday, 14 July, 2005 starting around 1 PM for everyone wishing to celebrate Bea’s life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association of Greater NH Chapter, 10 Ferry St., Suite 419, Concord, NH 03301.
Tasker Funeral Home, 621 Central Ave. assisted with arrangements
To view and sign the online guestbook, please go to www.taskerfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Beatrice Merchant
Steven Skoropowski
August 4, 2005
I have many fond memories from my Childhood, of visits to Aunt Bea’s. She always welcomed our family with an open heart, lot’s of hugs and a big smile. It felt like home, especially the Thanksgiving family get-togethers.
Our families stayed very close through the years. Aunt Bea’s love of family genealogy provided me with a solid foundation and inspiration to continue tracing our family lines, she loved to hear of new family discoveries.
We have lost two great ladies this year, My Mom Phyllis and now her sister, Aunt Bea.
Philip Freimann
August 4, 2005
Steve and Maria,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your Aunt. I remember you mentioning it Saturday night at Portland, ME. Reading these tributes to her - she was really an unusual person, a true matriarch, leader, example and friend. Her family and friends were blessed by her life and she will obviously be missed. She has left a wonderful legacy behind.
Blaisdell Family National Association
Anne Skelly Abbott
July 16, 2005
Beatrice was my classmate at Dover High School, 1937.
Her sister, Phyllis, was two years behind me at the Elliot Hospital (Manchester, NH) School of Nursing.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Jean Fenerty
July 14, 2005
Bea was a very special lady and I will always remember her fondly.
My condolances to the family.
Jean Fenerty
Diane Brown
July 14, 2005
Dearest Aunt Bea,
You were always there for me when I needed a loving voice and some reassurance. Thank you for all the fun times and all the good memories we had together throughout the years. You were always a very strong foundation in my life. I particularly remember that you never had an unkind word to say about anyone, and you always gave everyone, no matter who they were, the benefit of doubt. You never pretended to be anything but what you were and everyone loved you for it. My summers with you were the best. We used to go to York Beach with Nicky and Flo and spend the day and eat your good tuna fish or egg salad sandwiches (the best!!) How we always walked around the yard and you would show me what you planted and we just had special time to talk, just you and me. The love of animals was awesome too! Ronnie would bring stray animals home and you always let him keep them. You were the Matriarch of this family and really the person who kept everyone together. I know that you are in Heaven and at Peace. I want you to know how much I love you and I will never never forget you. I will miss you always!!!!! Say hello to Aunt Phyllis and Mom for me.
Love,
Di (Diane)
Donna Begley Moore
July 14, 2005
My late parents, Donald and Virginia Begley, thought the world of Bea. They enjoyed her humor and friendship for many years. My thoughts are with your family during this difficult time.
Donna Begley Moore
Golden Girls (Ellie,Flo,Bea, andCill)
July 13, 2005
Jenn Kelley
July 13, 2005
our condolences. so sorry for your loss.
Jenn,Samantha-jo,Kyle,Aaron
Sonia B. Dowe
July 13, 2005
Ron, so sorry to hear about your Mom, she was the sweatest and I loved her. Samantha, your Nana is at peace now and will always be in your heart. God Bless you all.
lorrie merchant
July 13, 2005
Hi Ma.This is Lorrie. I know we didn't get a whole lot of time to get to know each other very well, but you sure touched my life in a very special way. You were always there to keep the family together despite the most difficult circumstances facing you from time to time. I can still remember the earlier days when we first met and how you wanted to get the family together to enjoy a holiday. You made great baked stuffed chicken. The biscuits were a little tough from the over mixing while you kept adding the flour and mixing with fervor and telling about what the world should be doing about the problems of the day. You somehow made it all seem so important and so special. You wanted to change the world and you gave it your all. Our grandson Brandon thought you were a cool Nana Merchant. You always made the kids feel so special.You touched our hearts and we will never forget your love and kindness. God bless you and hope you have a special place in heaven with lots of flowers. Our everlasting love.
Lorrie and your son Dickie who is always at a loss for words.
Erika Soucy
July 13, 2005
While growing up Nana always spoiled me like I was her own grand daughter with hugs, kisses, and cards. She'll always be in my heart.
Patty Hall
July 13, 2005
We'll always remember the great hugs Bea gave out so graciously and the way she truly cared for all around her. She's the third "Golden Girl" who has gone home to the Lord. We send our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to all of Bea's family.
Love, Bob, Patty, Susan and Sharon Hall
John Hersom
July 13, 2005
Dear Friends,
You know that I worked with Bee at GE. We enjoying talking together. Your mother was the same age of my mother who went to sleep in the Lord.
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you at this time.
Sincerely,
John & Sheryl Hersom
stacy b
July 12, 2005
Dear Merchant Family,
I am sorry to hear about your lost. I send you my thoughts and prayers. Rest assured she will be watching over you and there to help guide the way.
regards,
stacy
Debbie (Pinkham), Mac and Ashley MacCracken
July 12, 2005
God Bless you all. I loved your mom just like my own. We will miss her dearly.
Debbie
Rodney Merchant
July 12, 2005
Nana, You were always a role model for hard work, determination and generosity. You showed me that those qualities always pay dividends, no matter what the endeavor. You never missed a hockey or baseball game for nearly 12 years. I will never forget your contageous laugh or pounding the kitchen table while reminding me that you were certainly right (most of the time). Enjoy Heaven, Love Rod
Arthur Brown
July 12, 2005
Hi Ray real sorry to hear about your mother passing. I sure like to talk to her at the hotel in the old days. Never saw her when she wasn't smileing. Was nice to see u this winter. Art Brown
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