Mary Merrill

Mary Merrill, 89, of Zion, Illinois and formerly of Waukegan, Illinois, Racine and Reedsburg, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 5, 2007 at Rolling Hills Campus in Zion. Mary was born on July 8, 1917 to the late Charles and Esther Cullen. Shortly after her marriage to Francis N. Merrill on September 9, 1939, the couple moved to Waukegan where together they raised their seven children. Upon retirement, they moved to a farm in Reedsburg that brought them a special joy and fulfillment. Frank and Mary were married for 43 wonderful years; until Frank's death in 1982. Mary was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles and James and one sister, Rose, all of Racine; a grandchild and a great-grandchild. She will be sorely missed by her three surviving sisters, Jane, Ellen and Suzanne. Left to cherish wonderful memories are her seven children, Mary (John) Gladish of San Antonio, Texas, Kathy (Glenn) Burgess of Beardsley, Minnesota, Betty (Dan) Curley of Wadsworth, Illinois, Margaret (Steven) Apperson of Sheridan, Wyoming, Ray (Lucy) Merrill of Marysville, Ohio, Robert (Sue) Merrill of Beach Park, Illinois and John (Nita) Merrill of Sulpher Springs, Texas. Mary lived a life committed to her family and many friends, which included 18 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. She will be fondly remembered by anyone she ever met. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Rolling Hills Campus, 3521 16th Street, Zion, Illinois 60099 in her memory, where she resided the past several years. The family espress their extreme thanks to the wonderful staff for their care, compassion, love and patience. Visitation will be Thursday, July 12, 2007, from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the CONGDON FUNERAL HOME, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion, Illinois. On Friday at 9:00 a.m., visitation will continue at St. Patrick's Church in Wadsworth with a funeral mass to follow at 10:00 a.m. Graveside service will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery in Stockbridge, Wisconsin, on Friday at 4:00 p.m.