BANGOR – Barbara Mae Merriam, 63, went to be with her Lord on Aug. 1, 2004, after a 16-year battle with breast cancer. She was dearly loved by her husband of 43 years, children, grandchildren, and many of her former students and friends. Even in the face of her illness, her love, intelligence and sense of humor never flagged. Barbara is survived by her husband, Robert Merriam; daughter, Lisa Persson; two sons, John and Joel Merriam; sister, Beverly Erickson; grandsons, John R. Merriam, Joshua Merriam and Andrew Persson; granddaughters, Amber Merriam, Hannah Persson and Emily Merriam; great-granddaughter, Mackenzie Kettell; niece, Karen Riley; nephew, Paul Erickson. She was predeceased by her father, John Robert Allen; mother, Mildred (Gardner) Allen. The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date. Memorial donations in Barbara’s name may be sent to CancerCare of Maine care of Eastern Maine Charities, P.O. Box 404, Bangor, ME 04402-0404. Friends and former students are encouraged to send notes and remembrances to Robert Merriam to be included in a book of memories. Arrangements by Memorial Alternatives, 1225 Broadway, Bangor.