OBITUARY: Joanne M. (Miller) Merrill, 68

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Joanne (Miller) Merrill, aged 68, of Wilmington, MA, passed away peacefully at her home early on the morning of June 4th, surrounded by her loving family.

She was the beloved wife of the late Ernest “Ernie” Merrill, sharing 45 years of marriage until his passing in 2019.

Born on March 17, 1956, to the late Joan L. and Harold “Mike” Miller, Joanne was a lifelong resident of Wilmington and an alumna of Wilmington High School. Her career was marked by determination and resilience; she rose through the ranks at Compugraphic/Agfa to become a manager and later pursued an associate’s degree in business after a layoff in her 50s, culminating her professional journey as a buyer at Evoqua Water Technologies.

Joanne’s zest for life was evident in her love for travel, especially her trips to Florida with Ernie, where they enjoyed the sunsets and shell-collecting on Sanibel Island. Salisbury Beach held a special place in her heart, where she and her family created countless memories camping annually.

A devoted animal lover, Joanne’s home was never without pets, particularly her beloved German Shepherd, Max, and the cherished visits from her “grand dogs.”

Family was the cornerstone of Joanne’s world. She embraced every moment with them, from holiday gatherings to weekend sleepovers, always believing that “Family is Everything.” Being called Grammie gave her the greatest pleasure in life and she cherished every opportunity to be involved in her grandchildren’s lives, whether attending their sports events, favorite activities or simply enjoying their company during legendary sleepovers with her favorite sister, Auntie Lou. If she could not be in attendance at an event she delighted in hearing every detail relayed back to her.

Joanne is survived by her children, Ernest “EJ” Merrill Jr. and his wife Angela of Wilmington, MA, Christopher Merrill and his wife Sharon of Billerica, MA, and Melissa Glidden and her husband Christopher of Chelmsford, MA. She also leaves behind her loved ones, Carol Howard of Londonderry, NH and Shannon Richardson of Billerica, MA, whom she loved like daughters.

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Alex Merrill of Londonderry, NH, Cameron Kubiak of Billerica, MA, Alexis, Madelyn, Lucas Glidden of Chelmsford, MA, and Avery Merrill of Wilmington, MA. She leaves behind Laporsha Moses with whom she developed a bond akin to that of a granddaughter.

Joanne was the mother-in-law of the late Jeffry Heroux.

She will be fondly remembered by her siblings, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom she loved with all her heart.

Family and friends will gather for visitation on Sunday, June 9th, from 1:00-4:00 pm at Nichols Funeral Home,187 Middlesex Ave., (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, followed by a funeral service at 4:00 p.m.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Extended Family of Lowell, Compassionate Care ALS, and Care Dimensions Hospice for their exceptional care and support. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joanne’s memory to any of these organizations would be greatly appreciated.