Merilyn E. Ward beloved Mom, Grammie, Sister, and friend joined her Angels Tuesday 11/19/2013 at the age of 71. She passed after a long illness at Maine Med in Portland with over 20 family members at her side.
She was born in Freeport on February 6th 1942 to Albert and Roberta (Goud) Graham. She grew up in Bridgton and attended school there. She was married to Arthur W. Ward for over 20 years and together they had three sons. Mom was a long time employee of Malden Mills and a homemaker for many years. She had been retired for 20 years due to health.
Our Mom loved her social life at Silver Pines with her many friends, collecting Angels, Bingo night and of course anything Elvis (starting her first Elvis scrap book at the age of 14). She had made two pilgrimages’ to Graceland. Mom also loved family and family events and all the day trips she and her BFF and sisters made over the years. Most of all our Mom loved her “boys” and grandkids and cherished any time spent with us. The grandkids will forever have stories to tell about Skip Bo.
Merilyn is survived by her “three boys” and their wives. Wayne and Deb of Harrison, Wyatt and DiAnne of Albany, Wade and Kimberly of Buckfield.
Step-children – (whom she loved as her own) Melanie (Baker) Farrington of Fryeburg, Jarrett Baker and his wife Teresa of Fryeburg.
Thirteen grandchildren and great grandchildren – Mindi, Nikki, Tia, Adam, Jason, Falishia, Whitney, Martika, Wade, Kylie, Kaylin, Bryson, and Madelynn.
Siblings – Arlene Matlock, Joan (Paul) Kiesman, Virginia (Roger) Pinkham, Jennifer (Rod) Blood, Roland H. Graham.
And many nieces and nephews whom she cherished, Mom is also survived by her BFF, constant traveling companion, and sister-in-law Margie (Phil) Ward.
Merilyn was predeceased by her parents, siblings James Randall, Mary Antoniak Smith, Nancy Payne, Albert (Butch) Graham, Ann Marie Goldthwaite, her grandson Wayne Wescott Ward, and her beloved housemate, her cat Kailey.
A small family service was held on Sunday November 24, 2013 at the N. Fryeburg Community Chapel.
In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to Harvest Hills Animal Shelter in Fryeburg. Our mother would love that.
Please visit www.advantageportland.com to sign Merilyn’s guestbook and to leave condolences for the family.