ELLSWORTH – Josephine Merrill, 72, passed away peacefully Sept. 14, 2010, with her family and loving husband of 46 years at her home, after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. Jo grew up in Sedgwick and graduated from George Stevens Academy in 1955. She went on to Husson College to further her education. She worked as a legal secretary at Silsby & Silsby law firm for nine years. She married Richard O. Merrill and became a homemaker for her husband and children, Corinna and Todd. Jo was a loving, caring, selfless and generous person who loved more than anything being with her family. She always wanted others to be happy. She never had a bad word about anyone and many people said she was a good soul. Everyone loved Jo. Jo enjoyed her weekly bowling league. She sang alto at First Congregational Church choir for more than 46 years. She was an exceptional pianist, learning to play difficult pieces and could play by ear. Many of her nieces and nephews loved to sit on the piano bench and sing along with “Auntie Jo.” Jo went to numerous performances at the Grand and especially enjoyed Full Moon Players. She enjoyed being with her eldest grandchildren, Shaye and Mitchell, cheering for them at all their YMCA, middle school and high school events, and spending time with her other grandchildren, Griffin, Porter and Hadley. Her grandchildren simply adored their “Mimi,” and she was very proud and had endless love for each of them. Jo was extremely close to her sisters, Elizabeth Senter and Thelma Astbury. They have shared a very special bond throughout their lives. Jo remained positive and never let pessimism get to her throughout her battle with breast cancer. She was someone with sound morals, character and had many good friends and relatives. Jo is survived by her husband, Richard, who loved her very much; adoring daughter, Corinna M. Domagala and husband, Thomas; and loving son, Todd R. Merrill and wife, Kerryn. Jo loved both her son-in-law and daughter-in-law as if they were her very own children. She is also survived by grandchildren, Shaye K. Domagala, Mitchell T. Domagala, Griffin T. Merrill, Porter S. Merrill and Hadley E. Merrill; sisters, Elizabeth Senter and husband, John, and Thelma Astbury and husband, Wayne; sister-in-law, Joyce Johnston; many cherished nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Kathleen Astbury; and brother, Dale Astbury. The family expresses their appreciation for the excellent care she received at Mary Dow Cancer Center. She also had numerous wonderful caretakers from Hancock County Home Care & Hospice. Visiting hours will be held 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17, at Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth. A service celebrating Jo’s life will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at First Congregational Church, 2 Church St., Ellsworth, with the Rev. Nicholas Davis officiating. Those wishing to remember Jo in a special way may make gifts to Mary Dow Cancer Center, 50 Union St., Ellsworth, ME 04605 or Hospice of Hancock County, 14 McKenzie Ave., Ellsworth, ME 04605. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
JOSEPHINE MERRILL
