Jean M. (Powers) Merrill

Jean (Powers) Merrill, age 101, of Danvers died on December 24th 2020 at Prescott House in North Andover MA. 

Born in Danvers, she was the daughter of the late Ethel (Purdy) Powers and Aaron Shaw Powers and was a 1937 graduate of Holten High School. 

Her lifelong interest in athletics began at age five with ice skating lessons at The Meadow, courtesy of her father, who was a graceful figure skater of his time. A commemorative plaque to honor him stands today at The Meadow, still a favorite gathering place for local skaters. She also excelled in softball and field hockey in high school and skiing and tennis in her adult years. 

Mrs. Merrill attended the Pierce Secretarial School in Boston and worked at the State Street Bank in Boston. During WWII, she joined her husband, an Army Air Force Aerial Gunnery Instructor in Wyoming and Colorado air bases, where she worked as a clerk. In 1973, she joined the staff in Danvers Town Hall, working as the Administrative Asst. to the Veterans Services Agent, retiring in 1983. 

She was married to the late William G. Merrill Jr. for 46 years. The couple had two children. 

Some of her most enjoyable times were spent at the family vacation home in Thornton NH, built by her dear Bill, along with family members and friends. It was the scene of many happy weekends of winter skiing, Autumn hikes and in the summer, tennis. 

Mrs. Merrill was a member of the Danvers Council on Aging, the Maple Street Congregational Church, the Danvers Historical Society and the Mass. Society of Mayflower Descendants. 

Jean was pre-deceased by her brother, Roger Bain Powers, who was killed in Sicily in 1943, during WWII. A plaque in his honor stands in Tapleyville Square, honoring his sacrifice. She was also pre-deceased by her three sisters, Ina J. Court, Madeleine E. Munroe and Clair E. Osborn. She is survived by her daughter, Lucy Merrill-Hills, of Roslindale, her son, William G. Merrill III and his wife Leslie, of Topsfield and her two grandsons, Nathaniel Gardner Hills of Dillon CO and Andrew William Merrill and his wife Crystal, of Ridgway CO and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. 

Jean also leaves behind her dear, distant cousin and travel companion, Doris Chapman of Danvers, also 101, with whom she spent many wonderful winters in Ft Myers after Bill died. The two often recounted those wonderful days in recent years. 

No funeral services have been planned at the moment. A memorial service will be held at a future date. To share a condolence kindly visit www.mackeyfuneralhome.com. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Jean's name to: Perkins Library 141 Riverside St, Watertown, MA 02472 

https://www.perkins.org/library 

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