NEWBURGH – Geraldine Merrill, 68, returned to our Lord May 29, 2009, surrounded by family at her home. Daughter of Anthony DeStefano and Rilla (Pierce) DeStefano, she was born Geraldine DeStefano, Aug. 25, 1940. As a youth she lived mainly in Malden, Mass., but also spent time in Everett, Mass., Arlington, Va., and Henderson, N.C. During the early years of her marriage, Geri was employed at John Hancock Insurance Co., Boston, and at EG&G, Boston, and Bedford, Mass. She also worked at Pewter Pot restaurant, Burlington, Mass., where the family resided from 1971-2000. Her lifelong vocation was as a homemaker and later a homeschool teacher to her youngest son. She is survived by her husband of 491/2 years, Kenneth Douglas Merrill Sr. of Danvers, Mass.; brothers, Kenneth DeStefano of Ellijay, Ga., and Dennis Walen DeStefano of Plainville, Mass.; her daughter, Jennifer Rilla Peront of Manchester, N.H.; and sons, Kenneth Douglas Merrill Jr. of Verona Island and David Palmer Merrill of Orono. Her grandchildren are Rebecca Joy Merrill, Emily Faith Merrill and Zachary Douglas Merrill of Verona Island, and Christopher John Peront and Melissa Joy Peront of Manchester, N.H. She was buried Sunday, May 31, at the green cemetery, Rainbow’s End, Orrington. Condolences may be sent to Kenneth Merrill, 195 Miles Road, Newburgh, ME 04444. Memorial gifts may be made to her granddaughter, Becca’s college fund at Rebecca Merrill, 27 School St., Verona Island, ME 04416 or to Hospice of Eastern Maine, 885 Union St., Suite 220, Bangor, ME 04401.
GERALDINE MERRILL
