CHARLESTON – Vera Ferne (Turner) Merchant, 91, passed peacefully June 19, 2011, at a Bangor hospital with her daughter, Benice, by her side. She was born April 20, 1920, in Charleston, daughter of Lester and Hazel (Lovejoy) Turner.
Vera graduated from Higgins Classical Institute and spent many years taking care of foster children. She will be remembered for her beautiful flower gardens, working at the senior citizen Meals for Me, baking and most of all, her love for animals. She enjoyed going to parades and being involved in antique car clubs with her husband.
Vera was predeceased by her parents, infant sister and son, Bobby. She is survived by her husband of nearly 70 years, Robert; daughter, Benice and husband, Dana, who Vera thought of as a son; daughter, Donna Avery; grandchildren, Lisa Saunders and husband Scott, Jobi Mcarthur and husband, Jimmy, Ted Caruso, Melissa Caruso and partner, Todd; as well as 11 great- grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held 2 p.m. Friday, June 24, at Corinthian Cemetery, Corinth, with Pastor David Laselle officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bangor Humane Society. For more information, contact Thompson Funeral Home at 207-285-3377 or at
www.ThompsonFuneralHomes.org.