ELLSWORTH – Madelene E. Merchant went to be with her Lord May 9, 2010, surrounded by her family at her home. She was born Aug. 22, 1911, in Presque Isle, the daughter of Lewis and Gertrude (French) Duncan. Madelene grew up in Presque Isle, graduated from Presque Isle High School in 1930 and graduated from the University of Maine, Orono, in 1932. After graduation, Madelene taught school in Presque Isle and later moved to Eastbrook, where she married Leland Merchant. During her years in Eastbrook, she taught a few years at the local elementary school as well. During their 46 years of marriage, she helped operate their blueberry farm. Madelene was well known for her popcorn balls. She was an active member of Eastbrook Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school, was church clerk for more than 40 years and served on the deacon board for many years. She enjoyed her role as “Mother Advisor” to Ruth Sunshine Club. In 2002, she moved to Ellsworth to live with her daughter and son-in-law and attended Ellsworth United Baptist Church. Madelene was predeceased by her husband, Leland: her sister, Elva Annas; brothers, Merle Duncan and Harold Duncan; and also by her half brothers, Lewis Duncan and Ralph Carey. Madelene is survived by her son, Lewis Merchant and wife, Barbara, of Levant; daughter, Janet Danico and husband, Richard, of Ellsworth; grandchildren, Christine Merchant, Joanne Ormsby and husband, Raymond, all of Hermon, Alan Merchant and wife, Vicky, of Levant, Mark Danico and wife, Mary, of Hancock and Amy McGraw and husband, Dana, of Ellsworth; 10 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews; a special cousin, Virginia Wilbur; and sister-in-law, Betty Duncan of Wiscasset. A special thank-you to her doctor, Kathryn Rensenbrink for her special care. Friends and family are invited to call 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 12, at Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, 215 Main St., Ellsworth. A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, May 13, at Eastbrook Baptist Church. The family requests memorial contributions be made in Madeline’s memory to Eastbrook Baptist Church, care of Jonathan Pierce, 133 Fitchburg Road, Waltham, ME 04605-8817 or Ellsworth United Baptist Church, P.O. Box 801, Ellsworth, ME 04605. Family and friends may offer condolences to the Merchant family by visiting www.bragdonkelley.com.
MADELENE E. MERCHANT
