Active at St. Dorothy’s Church; 82
TEWKSBURY - Dorothy A. (O’Leary) Merrick, age 82, died Easter morning, March 31, at the Wilmington Health Care Center, following a courageous years long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was the beloved wife of Richard F. “Rich” Merrick, with whom she had celebrated a 52nd wedding anniversary this past August 19th.
She was born in Somerville, April 20, 1930, one of eight children of the late John P. and Mary Frances (Pierce) O’Leary, was raised in Somerville, and graduated from Somerville High School. After her marriage, she and “Rich” moved to Tewksbury to raise their family. She became active at St. Dorothy’s Church, as a member of the Ladies Sodality, and a member of St. Dorothy’s bowling leagues.
She began her work career at Whiting’s Milk Company in Charlestown, and later worked at First American Optical Company in Burlington. She retired from the Accounts Payable department Marshall’s corporate offices in Andover.
When in better health, she enjoyed time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was never without her camera to capture the special moments in her life, and was well known for her spirit of hospitality, especially at her annual open house on Christmas Eve.
Besides her beloved husband, she leaves three sons and daughters-in-law, Richard J. “Rick” and Christine (O’Keefe) Merrick of Tewksbury, Stephen J. and Bonnie (Butler) Merrick of Methuen, and Robert M. and Michelle (Troisi) Merrick of Dracut; six beloved grandchildren, Richard “Ricky” Merrick and Matthew Merrick both of Tewksbury, Rachel A. Merrick and Stephen R. Merrick both of Methuen, Joseph Merrick and Samantha Merrick both of Dracut; two brothers and sisters-in-law, James A. and Madeline (Merrick) O’Leary and Robert and Victoria (Dodd) O’Leary all of Tewksbury; numerous nieces and nephews; and was predeceased by her siblings, Catherine Corey, M. Helen Mortonson, John Patrick O’Leary, Margaret Woodworth, and William O’Leary.
Her Funeral Mass was celebrated Wednesday, April 3, in St. Dorothy's Church, Wilmington. Burial will follow at Tewksbury cemetery. Memorials to the Alzheimer's Association of MA, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472, will be appreciated.