Mary Anne Merrill, 66, widow of Richard Merrill, passed away on November 25, 2019 at her home after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Bourne, Massachusetts, on December 27, 1952.
The daughter of the late, Frederick E. Parent, Sr. and the late Sarah A. McCary Parent. She is survived by her brother Frederick E. Parent, Jr. and his wife Beverly of Sumter, SC and brother James F. Parent and his wife Debra of Lutz, Fl., and step-daughter Diana Claussen of Ft. Worth, TX. She is predeceased by her parents and brothers William R. Parent, and Hugh M. Parent.
She graduated from Robinson High School in 1970. She worked for Winn Dixie for 35 years. She also worked for Target for 10 years from which she retired.
She was a very devoted Christian and was a member of Grace Family Church at the Van Dyke campus located in Lutz, Florida. She served as an usher, on the nursing home ministry, and grief share ministry as the leader assisting people going through the loss of a loved one with the grief share curriculum. She blessed many people throughout these ministries and her life.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, at 12 noon at Grace Family Church on the Van Dyke campus.
She will be interred at the Florida National Cemetery, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution, in her name, to Gulfside Hospice, 2061 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes, Florida 34639, Telephone 800 561 4883
My lovely and wonderful sister. I know now that you are no longer in pain and are suffering as you are with our LORD. God has blessed you, and you are now in his presence.
Enjoy you new life and we will meet again in the future.
LOVE and miss you…Sister.
Jim Parent
What a sad loss ! I surly enjoyed growing up with her and the family. She was always a proud daughter and eager to please.
Rest in peace, my sister from another mother!!
So thankful for precious Mary Anne and her Godly leadership in Griefshare. She always had a positive attitude and proclaimed her faith in Christ even during the hard times, which was a good example for all of us.
So sad to hear of the passing of Maryanne she was such an inspiration to so many. She turned her test into a testimony and will leave a legacy of a true Godly woman.
Praise God for no more pain.. RIP Maryanne 🙏😇❤️
I have known Mary Ann for close to 20 years. We both worked together at Winn Dixie and then both transferred to Target. She was such a sweet caring person. We didnt talk everyday, but her and my daughter share a birthday and she always texted me to tell her happy birthday. I will miss her dearly 💜
In the few times that I talk to you and the two times that I came to your grief counseling you touch my heart tremendously I can’t thank you I mean thank God enough for putting you in my life you had such a tremendous spirit and I will never ever forget you may you rest in peace you dear so and servant of God till we meet again my dear sweet sister in Christ
I love and miss you, Aunt Ann. You were always close to God and now even closer! Although we will all miss you dearly I know you aren’t in pain any longer – for that is relieving. God has welcomed you into His Kingdom and you are happier – this I’m sure of…
Your nephew,
Jason
Ann my family and I will miss you dearly ❤ We know you are healed and with Rick! Until we meet again you will forever be in our memory
I will miss being able to call you when ever I had any sort of thoughts about my brothers passing… Russ Hanson.
I have never met a more compassionate person in all of my life, and you touched and healed so many of us during and after your grief share classes… You were a true inspiration to me about how God can heal us during our difficult times and now it’s going to be our turn to heal about your passing. Rest In Peace my dear friend Maryann🙏
Missing you, Patty Brewer
Ms. Mary Ann came into my life with the biggest hug and smile at a time when I felt so lost and broken because my father had passed away. She was so loving to everyone she encountered— her faith, awe inspiring. She believed in me and saw things in me that I had yet to see. I am so happy that she got to see the fruits of her prayers in my life. I will forever be grateful and cherish her memories.
MaryAnn,
I will miss you very much. I always referred to you and Rick as Aunt and Uncle. You both were close to my parents. All my love to you and your family.
Ann, I’ll never forget our last moments together ! You were such an inspiration yo many! Family time will never be the same! Love you and miss you! RIP sweet sister!
Growing up with Anne was such a joy. We were in the same grade since third grade. Anne always cared about others and was such a strong person fighting until the very end. I will miss your smile and wisdom and she was my favorite sister.
Mary Anne, I am so glad the lord took you home to be with him. Where there is no suffering, pain, or tears. We will always love and miss you and will see you again one day.
Nephew Mike Bellows
Ann, the world is a better place because you were in it. You will truly be missed by all. I am glad that you are no longer suffering and are rejoined with Rick. Love and Peace to you always.
Anne —
You were always like a sister to me rather than a sister-in-law. You are a beautiful person inside and out. I’ll miss you very much but know that you are in heaven now, out of pain and suffering. I love you sweet sister.
Debbie
I’m very thankful for the role Mary played at Grace as a Griefshare counselor. I learned so much from her wisdom and have felt truly blessed to be in her prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. Mary Ann was a good Christian friend. Two Christmases ago I went back to Grace Christian Church, where I first met her, for their Christmas program. She help me with my grief over the loss of my daughter and husband. I will always remember her loving Christian heart and the happy times we spent together.