Obituary of Madeleine E Merrithew

Madeleine E. Merrithew, 83, lived her life well. In the early morning hours of August 23, while listening to recordings of late husband Dale playing the piano, the Lord gently called her home. She will be greatly missed. We can honor her memory by embracing her attitude of gratitude, and choosing to live well, love much, and laugh often. Born September 21, 1929 Madeleine was raised in Monroe by her parents Chester and Gladys (Smith) Eastman, along with her sister Shirley, who all predeceased her. She grew up on the family’s dairy farm and had many fond memories of her parents and childhood. A graduate of Crosby High School, Madeleine worked at the telephone office in Belfast following graduation. On May 11, 1952 she married the man of her dreams, Dale K. Merrithew. He was a gifted musician, kind and generous, with a great sense of humor. They lived in a home they built together on Weymouth Road in Morrill. With love & patience they raised their 3 children, Donnie Merrithew of Belfast, Dalene Sheldon of Brooks, and Cheryl Anderson of Montville. All their children know how blessed they are to have had such wonderful parents. Dale was called home to be with the Lord in 1986. Known affectionately as “Mad Dog” by her close friends, Madeleine embraced life as a widow, working for the town of Morrill as Excise Tax Collector for 20 years until her retirement at age 76. She was an active member of the Morrill Baptist Church, serving for many years as the Sunday School Secretary/Treasurer, as well as being a Deaconess. She enjoyed outings with her friends and family and daily walks on Weymouth Road. Although she was not an athlete, she faithfully attended her granddaughters’ games as a most enthusiastic supporter. In her later years she became known as a zealous Patriots fan, watching games and attending Super Bowl parties. Like her mother before her, Madeleine loved animals, especially her cats, Speck and Suzie. Following a stroke in 2009, Madeleine resided at Harbor Hill in Belfast. She made many friends and embraced her new role in life there. Known for her cheerful and willing disposition, Madeleine overcame the effects of her stroke and against the odds she qualified for assisted living. After breaking her hip, she courageously fought through numerous ailments this past winter. Her family takes comfort in knowing that her days of pain and struggling are over, and she has been reunited with her beloved Dale and they are waiting for them in their Heavenly Home. Madeleine leaves behind a family whom she loved so well; Donnie Merrithew, Dalene & Dave Sheldon, Cheryl & Bert Anderson. She was Grammie to Dalene’s children, Sarah and husband Emil Helm, David Annis, Kaylene Dale (named after her grandfather) and husband JC Miller, and Cheryl’s children, Kaylee Simonne and Austin. She was Grammie M to great-grandchildren Tommy and Luke, and Joslyn and Alden. A beloved Auntie to her sister’s daughters, Joanna (Gibbs) Curtis and Deborah (Gibbs) Huff, a dear cousin to Gail (Snowe) Smith, and much loved by many other Eastman and Merrithew relatives, as well as too many dear friends to list. Family and friends are invited to a time of visitation will be held from 10- 11am Thursday August 29, 2013 at Riposta Funeral Home 182 Waldo Ave. Belfast, followed by committal prayers at Morrill Village Cemetery in Morrill. A Celebration of life will be held 7:00 pm Thursday August 29, 2013 at Morrill Baptist Church, Main St. Morrill. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Madeleine’s memory to the Music fund at the Morrill Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home 182 Waldo Ave. Belfast, ME 04915 www.ripostafh.com