Grace 'Sissy' Merrick

SOUTH PARIS — Grace "Sissy" Merrick, 58, of South Paris passed away Friday, July 27, 2012, in her home with loving family close by after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born October 11, 1953, the daughter of Edwin and Avis Beardsley, by whom she was predeceased.

Although born in Maryland, she lived and attended schools in Portland. After high school she was a well known waitress at Pat's Pizza in Windham for many years. She enjoyed fishing, scenic trips, canoe rides and nature. She was always known to be a great host, enjoying serving and providing wonderful meals to her family and friends. Mostly, she prided herself on her garden, which she tended to till the very end. During her illness one of her favorite pastimes became bird watching; they brought her a sense of peace.

Mrs. Merrick is survived by her loving fiancé, Tom Fortier of South Paris and his daughters, Sonya Dunton of Rochester, NH and Shanda Grover of Nottingham, NH; her three sons, Michael Dow of Casco and twins Lewis Dow and fiancée Jessica of Oxford and Larry Dow and fiancée Kate of South Paris; her daughter, Karcha (Turner) and son-in-law Charles Buker of South Paris. She was the loving grandmother of five, Logan Dow, Darien Hunton, Ethan Dow, Daisy Dow and Kruz Buker, all whom will miss her dearly. Additionally she is survived by her one sister, Merrianne and husband Steve Pepin of Gray and her three bothers, Francis Beardsley and fiancée Melodie of South Portland, Matthew Beardsley and wife Kathy of Oxford and Mark Beardsley of Branson, MI in addition to many nieces and nephews. She is pre-deceased by her husband, Alfred Merrick of South Paris and her brother, Edwin Beardsley of Gray.

At the family's request there will be no services or visitation. Arrangements were done under the direction of Funeral Alternatives, Auburn.

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Grace Merrick