Shirley M. Merrow

LEWISTON — Shirley M. Merrow, 79, of Lewiston passed away Tuesday, Feb. 21, at the Androscoggin Hospice House surrounded by her loving family.

Shirley was born in New Haven, Vermont, on June 10, 1937, the daughter of the late Scott and Christine (Currier) Lowell. On Oct. 22, 1955, she married the love of her life, Raymond Merrow. She was a military wife who traveled to Bermuda, Japan and numerous stateside bases during her husband’s military career. After retiring from the military, together they lived and worked in the Lewiston-Auburn area while raising their four daughters. Besides being a loving homemaker, she spent over 10 years working at St. Casimir Nursing Home and John F. Murphy Homes.

In her later years, she worked with her daughter, Rachelle, at Playful PALS Daycare. As is evident by the type of work she did, she was a caring and loving person who was all about taking care of her family. She loved family gatherings, playing card games around the table, doing crossword puzzles and collecting magnets from her travels and her family’s travels. Her biggest joy was camping every weekend while raising her girls. After they were grown, she continued the tradition by renting large lakeside homes to spend time with her girls and their families. Her hobbies included painting, ceramics, bowling and going to craft fairs. She was a camp counselor back in her younger years for the Girl Scouts of America. Most of all, she was always willing to help those in need. She was a loving wife and devoted mother.

Shirley is survived by her husband of over 61 years, Raymond Merrow; four daughters, Shelly Merrow of Lewiston, Sheila Merrow of Freeport, Rhonda Dow and her husband, David Jr., of Buckfield, and Rachelle Dickinson and her husband, Bart, of Lewiston; nine grandchildren, Stephanie, Scott Sr., Melissa, Jonathan, Timothy, Christina, Hannah, Hunter and Julia; nine great-grandchildren, Scott Jr., Ella, Matthew, Alexis, Natalie, Brynn, Ronan, Joseph and Kenzie; a sister-in-law, Donna Lowell of Vermont; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by five brothers, Leslie, Nellie, Ernie, Percy and Merwin Lowell.

The family would like to express their special thanks to Massachusetts General Hospital as well as the Androscoggin Hospice House and their compassionate staff for the loving care given to Shirley in her final days.

You are invited to share your condolences, fond memories and pay tribute to Shirley by visiting her guestbook at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.