Merna J. (Colpitts) Stanley a lifelong Needham resident died on Thursday, February 21st at the Stanley R. Tippet House in Needham. She was 74years old. Merna was a graduate of Needham High School Class of 1950 and Wheaton College Class of 1954. She was the President of her family‘s plumbing business, W.T. Colpitts Inc. Merna was an active member of the Needham community, she was a member of the Rotary Club. She was a very active member of the Congregational Church in Needham. She was a former deacon and was an extremely active member of the Church Friendly Society. The beloved wife of the late John Glover Stanley, she was the loving mother of Lynne Susan Stanley and her partner Bobbie Thompson of Dover NH, David Weldon Stanley and his wife Darlene and Robert Glover Stanley and his wife Jennifer all of Needham. Sister of Robert Colpitts of Cupertino, CA. Dear grandmother of Ryan, Robyn, Jeremy, Robert G. Jr. US Air Force, Cecilia, Charlotte, Crystal, and Elizabeth R. Stanley all of Needham , Joshua and Nicholas Thompson of Dover NH. Great grandmother of Nevaeh Stanley Hendersen and Cassidy Stanley. Visiting hours at the Eaton Funeral Home 1351 Highland Ave Needham on Thursday Feb 28th from 4-7 PM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. A memorial service will be held at the Congregational Church of Needham 1154 Great Plain Ave on Sat. March 1st at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Congregational Church Memorial Fund.