Winifred Merriam

NORTH OXFORD – Winifred Lillian (Davis) Merriam, 92, of Maplewood at Mayflower in West Yarmouth and formerly of Merriam District in North Oxford, died peacefully on Saturday, March 17, 2018, after a short illness. She was predeceased by her husband of 74 years, Robert Merriam.

She is survived by two children, James Merriam and his wife Linda Merriam of Harwich, and Linda Karellas and her husband Dr. Andrew Karellas of Oro Valley, AZ; four grandchildren, Carrie Merriam LeBlanc, Joshua Merriam, Kristen Sherman, and Heather Karellas; one great-grandson, Mattie Merriam; and two step great-grandchildren, Devin and Riley LeBlanc. She was predeceased by her sister, Geraldine Chakuas who died in 1982.

She was born in Eden, VT, daughter of the late Ezra and Ada (Bessette) Davis, whose family moved to North Brookfield when Winnie was 6 months old for her parents to run the Town Farm. From there, Winnie’s family moved to East Brookfield and in 1942 to Barre, MA. Winnie graduated from Worcester’s David Hale Fanning Trade School or “Girl’s Trade” in June 1943.

Winnie met Bob Merriam while traveling by train to school, and they were married in East Brookfield Baptist Church in July 1943. A year later, she joined Bob, who was stationed in Clovis, New Mexico.

After World War II, Winnie and Bob built their home on Merriam District in 1946 and she lived there until Bob’s death last October.

Mrs. Merriam worked at David Clark Company in Worcester for over 30 years, where she manufactured the link-net for the Gemini and Apollo spacesuits and had the opportunity to meet many of America’s first astronauts as they were fitted for their spacesuits.

She attended Greenville Baptist Church and North Oxford Baptist Church.

Winnie was a member of the Holiday Rambler Trailer Club and the North American Family Camping Association – Worcester Chapter.

A funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Monday, March 26, 2018, at Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford. Burial will follow at Gore Cemetery in North Oxford. Calling hours are Monday from 10 a.m.-12 noon prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005, or to Habitat for Humanity, 411 Main St., Yarmouth Port, MA 02675.