Mary Louise (Phanuef) Merrill, 88 April 10, 1936 - December 9, 2024

HAVERHILL – Mary Louise (Phanuef) Merrill, 88 of Haverhill passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, December 9, 2024 at the Lakeview Nursing Home.

Mary was born and raised in Haverhill, MA on April 10, 1936, the only daughter of Alfred and Irene (Record) Phaneuf, Sr. She attended Saint Joseph’s Grammar School and later graduated from Haverhill High School in 1954. Mary married the love of her life, David P. Merrill, Sr. on October 16, 1955; while Dave was still in the United States Marine Corps. After being married, they lived shortly in San Clemente, California. Upon discharge from the Marines, Mary and Dave made their way back to Haverhill to start a family and careers.

Both Mary and Dave retired from Western Electric in North Andover after many years of service. After retirement, Mary devoted her time to babysitting and volunteering at All Saints Parish, Sarah’s Place, Merrivista and the Merrimack Valley Hospital. One of their most beloved pastimes was skiing, which took them all over Europe and on many adventures. Their favorite local ski area was The Highlands Mountain which was located in Northfield, NH where they skied for many years with family and friends.

Mary is survived by her three wonderful children and their spouses: Kathleen A. Pothier and her husband, Robert of Haverhill; David P. Merrill, Jr. and his wife, Jeanne of Peterborough, NH; Thomas D. Merrill and his wife, Noreen of Haverhill and her brother-in-law, Donald T. Merrill and his wife, Shirley of Haverhill. She was a devoted grandmother to Jennifer Mueller, Jaimee Pothier, Michelle Palleschi, Leyna Cannon, Tayler Merrill and Katie Brown. She was also very fortunate to be a great-grandmother and “Yoo Hoo” to Ava, Callie, Brennan, Chase, Brody, Isabella, Calder, Hayden, Tyler and Rowan. Mary was predeceased by her brothers Alfred Phaneuf and Louis Phaneuf.

Mary will be remembered for her beautiful smile, patience, Catholic faith, cooking, sense of humor, love for ice cream, willingness to help others, and above all her amazing personality.  She will also be remembered fondly for her love, dedication and devotion to her family and friends.

Mary’s family would like to thank the Lakeview Nursing Home staff, nurses and aides for their compassionate care during her time there. We appreciate everything that each and everyone of you did to make Mary’s life a memorable one.

ARRANGEMENTS: Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Friday, December 13, 2024 at 10:30am at All Saints Parish, 120 Bellevue Avenue, Haverhill, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary’s memory to the Sarah’s Place Adult Day Health Program, 180 Water Street, Haverhill, MA, 01830. The burial will take place at a later time. Please visit www.comeaufuneral.com or Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook.