GAINESVILLE, Fla., and BEALS ISLAND – Joyce Anne Merritt, 77, passed away March 11, 2010. Joyce Anne was born in 1933, in Milwaukee, daughter of the late Dr. Bernard and Helen Mogilka. Joyce attended Marquette University, where she was a “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.” She traveled extensively and volunteered during many years, helping poorer countries in the rehabilitation of their communities. Her most recent effort was in Albania, rewriting the Albanian news for the BBC. She also traveled extensively in Guatemala and assisted her husband, Harry, by gaining trust through friendships with communities of women and children during the aftermath of the earthquakes in the 70s. During the 80s, Joyce and Harry owned a conference center in Cedar Key, Fla., which Joyce managed. The food editor of The Tampa Tribune, after having dinner at Cedar Cove, declared in a food column, “I’ve never eaten seafood of the excellence as prepared by Joyce Merritt at Cedar Cove Restaurant.” She and her husband, Harry, had just celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary and have a home on Beals Island. Joyce loved both the island and it’s people. Joyce is survived by her husband, Harry; her sister, Ruth Jeka of Boston; five children, Claire Thompson of Branson, Mo., Ben Merritt of San Francisco, Dan Merritt of Daytona Beach, Fla., Tim Merritt of Machias and Amy Giles of Lithia, Fla.; and five grandchildren, Allan, Kevin and John Merritt, Brett and Blake Giles. A spreading of the ashes will celebrate Joyce’s life in early spring when her tulips are in bloom. The time of the celebration will be announced at a later date. A service of Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor.
JOYCE ANNE MERRITT
