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Rae Ann lit a candle
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
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Aunt Lucille was one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. My father, Rodney Merchant was her brother in law. Aunt Lucille always made sure the children had games to play when we visited! I loved her chicken in cream sauce with green olives. God be with the family.
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Tuesday, September 5, 2017
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Danica (granddaughter ) posted a condolence
Monday, May 12, 2014
Although my brother and I grew up many states away and have our father’s last name, we were always reminded by our mother, that we come from “Merchant” stalk. For us, to have Merchant stalk meant to be engrained with a special value and integrity that was passed on directly from our Grandparents. It meant to persevere through difficult times with class and to always lead rather than follow. From Grandma Lucille, we learned to always be resourceful and look our best no matter how little we might have. Grandma showed us that money and materialism always took a back seat to family and fun. We learned that we are connected to water even when we lived in the desert and that being Catholic meant more than simply attending mass, it was a ritual that would always bring us home. We were raised to be humble, grounded and respectful and that children always had a special place in the world. Even when we were very young we quickly understood that laughing was of equal importance to hard work and playing mirrored learning. Grandma taught us that our brains were as important as our bodies and to always exercise both. It is because of our Merchant stalk that we are also stubborn and often don’t use our “shut-off” button when we probably should. For you Grandma, I pour with pride our French Canadian drink, ginger ale and whisky with a slice of lime. Thank you Grandma for raising your children with love and honesty, so they were able to raise us with the same authenticity. Thank you for helping us understand our deep roots and why they matter, it is because of our grandmother Lucille, “Je me souviens”. I love you, and I know you are so proud of all your “little pups”.
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Patty Garvey posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Mrs. Merchant, Thank you for shining the light of your love and kindness on my family especially after my mother s death at a young 53. Michael and I shared holidays with you at your home once, a Fourth of July celebration in Rouses Point where laughter, food and spirits were in abundance as we sat and viewed the lake. You gave me my beautiful, loving, fun sister~in~law, Dianne, whom I treasure, respect and love. You were a loving mother~in~law to my brother Bobby, and devoted grandmother to the my niece, Jessa and my nephew, Ryan. When I was 18 and would go to the Saxony with Billy Blood, we always stopped by to see you and Mr. Merchants and cute little Danny and Annette. your were safe havens for us on our journey. You will be missed, cherished and forever loved. I am so glad that you were a part of my life at all of the wonderful barbeques and Christmas parties at Dianne and Bobby s homes. You were family to me. My heart and prayers go out to all of the Merchant family. Patty Skinner~Garvey
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Annette Schlegelmilch (daughter) posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
More than "mom" you were my best friend as I was growing up. You tenderly cared for your children, like precious flowers, nurturing us as we grew. You gave us the richest foundation to support us, then allowed us to bloom wherever life took us. Selflessly giving of yourself always, we had your love and encouragement to reach our goals. When it was time, you gave us our wings. We are all on our separate journeys, and life is very good indeed. You will be in my heart now and forever. I will love you always, Annette
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Damon (Grandson) posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
I will carry the lessons I learned from grandma for the rest of my life.
She taught me to always have fun in life. Whether is was from one of the many board games she had or playing in the sand at the beach, fun was and is all around us.
She also taught me to cherish the little things. Be it a simple sunny day or a small part of a sponge everything had meaning and was precious.
She also reminded me to remember who I was and what helped shape me, no matter what was going on in my life. From photos of all of her family that were displayed in her house to her French, grandma never forgot her roots.
Grandma also taught me to speak my mind regardless of what others may think. Even though it may ruffle some feathers, being open and honest at least gave you a starting point for a conversation.
While there is a lot of other things that I learned from her the final thing I want to mention is family. Grandma always showed me how important family is and how it is more than just your parents and siblings, it is everybody. From all those family gatherings we had where we could all just relax and have a great time, I will never forget the smile on her face.
It is now up to the rest of us to continue her smile by gathering together and enjoying life.
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Marian Flowers (Sharp) posted a condolence
Saturday, April 26, 2014
We were all pretty young when we left New York to come to California - but I do remember that you were well loved and respected by all my family - My deepest sympathy to Danny, Sharman, Diane and Annette.
Love you all! Marian
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debbie *sharp, Patterson posted a condolence
Saturday, April 26, 2014
My aunt Lucille was quite a lady, I remember her kindness and gentleness when we came to see her in Rouses Point almost 30 years ago...we stopped at dinner time (how lovely for us) and she started pulling out dishes and food and wanted to hear all about our trip...we had such a lovely visit...John took us out on his sailboat, what a glorious day that was and then back to say good bye to my special aunt...one day I sent some tapes to each of the living aunts and uncles and I wanted to hear some stories about how it was when she was married to my Uncle Earl , and any bits of history of being part of the Merchant clan, well I waited for them to come in but the only person who answered my request was Aunt Lucille, I still have that tape and will take it out to listen to it again ...thank you, Aunt Lucille, have a safe journey and much love, Debbie (please know that you are a big part of the Sharp Family in California, my mother talked about you all the time and how much she loved you, God Bless you all)
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JoAnn Sharp-Cartoscelli posted a condolence
Monday, April 21, 2014
My memories of Aunt Lucille [who is also my godmother] are filled with kindness, wisdom and a great sense of humor. On one of my trips back to Rouses Point, my mother and I were invited to stay with Aunt Lucille and were treated to wonderful stories about her life with my Uncle Earl and the love she had for her children. I really liked the story where a couple of my cousins attempted to sneak back into the house, but the squeaky stairs gave them away. During our visit, Aunt Lucille drove my mother and I over to Vermont to do some sight-seeing and to meet up with a couple of my cousins. We had a great time and were enjoying the ride back to Rouses Point. As we traveled through the town of Isle La Motte, and crossed over Lake Champlain I saw this as an opportunity to ask questions about the famous ‘Champ’. First, I asked my mother and she said ‘Oh, I just remember the stories my brother told me about how he thought it might have been a large eel that somehow got into the Lake from the ocean through one of the channels’. Hmmm, I thought. So then I asked my aunt if she believed in ‘Champ’, she started to chuckle and said, ‘no’. I decided this was too good to pass up and as I looked out of the car window towards the Lake, I pointed and said, ‘Look, there’s Champ!’ Guess what? Yep, they both looked! We all ended up laughing and I said, see? You DO believe! You will be missed Aunt Lucille, say ‘hi’ to everyone for me.
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Mike Cartoscelli posted a condolence
Monday, April 21, 2014
My deepest condolences to Danny, Sharman, Dianne, Annette and all of the extended family. I unfortunately did not get a chance to see Great Aunt Lucille the last time I was in town, but from the kindness and love exhibited by all of her children and grandchildren, I know she was a wonderful woman. Much love and prayers from myself and my family to yours.
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Glenn Thompson posted a condolence
Saturday, April 19, 2014
I wish to offer my condolences and prayers to the entire Merchant family of the passing of Mrs. Merchant.
See was a wonderful lady. She will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her!
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Robert Skinner, son-in-law posted a condolence
Saturday, April 19, 2014
I called her Ma though she was not my mother. I loved her like my mother because her heart, like my mother's, was warm, soft, engaging, nurturing and reached out- it radiated out and touched the hearts of all who had the pleasure of her presence. Mrs. Merchant, Ma, had this uncanny nature to make you feel you were the most important person in the room, though others were there. The sparkle and the glint of her eyes when engaging you with her keen curiosity was amazing. We so loved Ma for that, and much more, and will miss her engaging, loving eyes which in a way was her spiritual embrace.
But now her earthly , loving eyes have closed to gaze upon us no more. So what are we to do to help ease the pain of such a great loss ? I have no true answer but when I look into the eyes of Ma's children and grandchildren, and especially into the eyes of my wife Dianne, I truly sense the love of Ma imparted upon her for so many years, and I know Ma's legacy, and her love lives on. In this I find great comfort and in the Christian belief, Ma's and my mother's belief, that a spirit apart from our earthly being lives within all of us is destined for heaven above. And as holy men and women say, and was said by the priest at the mass of Ma, God willing, the glow of Ma's eyes, and all our loved ones who have passed on, will shine again.
Ma, I love you. Mother, I love you.
J
Jessa Gambrel (grand-daughter) posted a condolence
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Closing my eyes I can see and hear memories from my childhood with my tiny Ma...
Food cooking, ice clinking, infectious laughter and plastic crinkling.
I can feel my childish legs running, clumsily, up the stairs to the stash of games she had for my cousins and I. I can taste the pink mints that I snuck from her dining room table. I see my Ma flitting around the kitchen fixing drinks, stirring food, doing dishes and loving her family.
Further back I can see my lovely Ma and handsome Pa in their Adirondack chairs on luscious green grass overlooking their lakeside view, Black Velvet in hand, children at their side and my cousins and I running wild around them.
I can see my Christian, gone too soon, in the kitchen with my Ma trying to impress her by washing all the dishes after a Thanksgiving feast and her patting his back and laughing with him.
I can feel her tiny body as I go in for a warm hug, her smooth hands caressing mine.
Thank you Ma for your wisdom, your love, your food, your laugh and for always wanting the best for your family. I am proud to come from such a strong woman. I love and miss you so.
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Dianne Skinner, daughter posted a condolence
Friday, April 18, 2014
"Come in, Come in - make yourself at home, fix yourself something to drink and I'll be right there !"
You're in the cozy white kitchen, cactus by the steamy window, clothes drying on the rack by the stove bubbling with aromas- the very best place on earth for your family to grow.
Life was full and busy and loving and yummy, and secure. We all had our mom to nurture us with her homemade meals, her wisdom and her undeniable love for all of her children.
It is now a memory kitchen but we are still together in my kitchen - cooking meals and trying not to let anything go to waste. Because of you I love hanging my clothes outside as you did all those years. You brought the fresh outdoor smells inside with your wicker basket full of clothes, sometimes cold, and sometimes a bit frozen.
You taught us well about the basics and what is most important in life.
Bless you mom, you gave each one of your children a very personal connection to you by showing us how to succeed with our own unique talents and strengths. You made each of us the best in the family.
I was shy mom but you helped give me the courage to try teaching and it became my passion as it was yours. I loved talking to you about the classroom and I still have the list of do's and don'ts you hand wrote for my first day of teaching.
All of it for all of us- a childhood that was joyful with time to pretend, time to play, time to learn and time to contribute, and time to pray.
As adults you continued to bring joy to us with your most positive, cheerful approach to life.
"Oh, you got your drink, now tell me about your day and how the kids are doing?"
Mom, I love you.
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Ryan Skinner (Grandson) posted a condolence
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Remembering all the visits to Ma's over the years, the Christmas presents, the summer barbecue's, swimming in the lake, and the sound of her laughter I cant help but smile. The whole family loved Ma dearly, and she loved each of her children, grandchildren, and their families even more so. The effect she has had on each and all of our lives has been truly immeasurable. May her strength, kindness, and warmth live on within us.
We love you Grandma, and we miss you.
B
Betty Merchant-daughter posted a condolence
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Comfort
I returned to San Antonio yesterday evening, and awoke this morning to a somewhat dreary day. I decided to take a drive in the country, hoping that the bluebonnets would be as plentiful as when I left almost two weeks ago. They had, however, completed their blooming cycle, and were nowhere to be found. It seemed pointless to continue my drive, because what I was looking for had disappeared. Although I passed an occasional flower from time to time, I was considering turning around when I unexpectedly came across the most beautiful patch of bluebonnets, red-orange Indian paintbrushes, and bright pink, peony-like blossoms. They were not the carpet of bluebonnets I had wanted to find, but they were memorable, nonetheless. As I drove, I continued to encounter these bright patches of flowers—all the way, in fact, to a small town I often visit when I want to lift my spirits—the town is called “Comfort.”
All along the drive, I had been thinking about mom and wondering how we’re all going to get along without her. It occurred to me that she, in fact, personified “Comfort” to her husband and children and all those who had the good fortune to know her. While the road ahead will not be the same without her, it will still provide us with beauty and fulfillment. Like the bluebonnets that have left the seeds for next year’s blossoms, mom has left us with so many memories that will bring us Comfort, like visions of her wearing a neatly-ironed shirtwaist dress, with a short apron protected by a plastic “shield” she had attached for deflecting food stains and dishwater splashes. Seeing her wearing that apron meant that delicious food was on the way. Comfort was sleeping in bed sheets that were ironed and smelled of fresh air because she painstakingly hung them and all our clothes on the clothesline in the backyard. Comfort was watching her sitting at the sewing machine, making clothes that would keep us warm and respectable.
Mom has left us with more than enough to Comfort us. We just need to keep going forward on the roadways of our lives, grateful and alert for the advice she will still whisper in our ears and the many memories she has left to sustain, nourish, and most of all--Comfort us--as we continue on our own journeys.
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Sharman Birtz posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
First you were "Mommy" then you were "Mom" and when the children came along you became "Ma." One thing never changed and that was your endless love for all of your family (trying as it may have been at times...). "The Circle of Life" has begun again Mom. I once heard that a mother never really becomes a Mother until her own mother dies. Over these last few days, I have become a true "mother." I found myself infused with an incredible amount of strength and courage to carry on - to make things right and to make you proud. I think we did it Mom! I will take your advice and deal with your passing as you did when Dad died. I'll fill my "shoebox" with all of the memories and slip out one at a time making sure to close it quickly before another one slips out. And when I'm done with that one piece, I'll put it away until another day. Life happens one day at a time and I'll try deperarately to handle my memories the same way. They will be savored and will last me a life time. I love you Mommy, Mom, Ma forever and always. Your Loving Daughter, Sharman
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Emily Merchant posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
I will always remember the little goodie bags that grandma would send us home with when we were kids. I have definitely inherited grandma's sweet tooth. I will also remember her warm smile and laughter that could always light up a room.
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Nancy Sharp posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Just wanted to let you know, Dianne, Sharman, Annette, Dan & Betty we are thinking about you in your time of loss.
Sending love and prayers,
Nancy
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Steve, Ashley, Lucille, Cecelia Deso posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
To my Hero...Lovely, Beautiful, Incredible Ma, Although your body has tired, your spirit is stronger than ever among us. We are grateful for every moment we spent with you. Thank you for everything...your sacrifices, your passion for learning and doing, your example to never give up ...and ultimately we thank you for your Love. Pa, thank you for sharing your "Perch-eye" with us - keep her close and be sure to keep her sweet with those russel stover creams . Until we meet again Dear Ma...Forever and Always our Love!
J
Joan M. Sharp posted a condolence
Monday, April 14, 2014
Sharing a memory of a life well lived:
The war had just ended, and a date had been set for Lucille and Earl's wedding.
I was twelve years old, and wanted to be a part of it , but children were usually not invited to such solemn events.
Being a curious child I hid behind a tree where Clarks Funeral home is now located.
I must have timed it just right because the next thing I saw was when the church doors flew open and Earl and Lucille came running down the steps like two kids that had been set free for summer vacation.
In my mind's eye I can still see Lucille all dressed in white; everyone was throwing rice at them and she seemed to be bursting with joy!
She was a beautiful bride, and it made a lasting impression on me. Today as I was grieving for her that memory returned, except that this time a different picture of her formed in my mind; I could see her in that same dress running down the steps of St. Patrick's and into the arms of Earl and her son; her mom and dad...everyone that she loved and went before her. They were waiting with open arms to greet her.
I don't know if the sun will shine when she is carried down those steps one last time, but believe me the sun is shining brightly where she is, and she is filled with joy!
So hold that image in your heart as you walk down the steps with her casket.
I am sorry for your pain and loss but Lucille left a wonderful legacy to the world in each and everyone of you.
You are all well educated and have much to contribute to society, what greater tribute could you give except to live the life Oshe taught you?
Our Lord and all those she loved were waiting to welcome her home...I'm sure she heard these words "Well Done my good and Faithful Servant"
Rest in Peace Lucille ...I love you.
M
Meg Matt posted a condolence
Monday, April 14, 2014
To the Merchant family,
So sorry for the loss of your dear mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mother-in-law and more! What a lovely obituary. I learned so much about her love of education and of giving service to others. Loved Dan's poem, and thought I'd add one more by W. H. Auden:
Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.
Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead
Scribbling on the sky the message She Is Dead,
Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,
Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.
She was my North, my South, my East and West,
My working week and my Sunday rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
I thought that love would last for ever: I was wrong.
The stars are not wanted now: put out every one;
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun;
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood.
For nothing now can ever come to any good.
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Mike (grandson-in-law) posted a condolence
Monday, April 14, 2014
Maa had the ability to make whoever she was talking with feel special and unique. She wanted to listen and learn about what you were doing and would offer loving advice based on her wisdom and love for you, all in an effort to help her family and guide them. Her impeccable character was the model for her children and grandchildren and those who married them.
Given that Danny started the poetic theme, the poem that makes me think of Maa is The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost, for truly she took the road less traveled by others and it has made all the difference in her life and ours.
Thank you, Maa for being such a wonderful example and visionary. Thank you for loving kindness and dedication to family that we all learn from. Thank you Maa for your time (with a little drink, cheese and crackers, and generational wisdom). Thank you for stories of the love you shared with Paa. Thank you for the wonderful recipe box that helps feed our children. Thank you for your wonderful phrases ("eat your vegetables"; "poor pet"; "my cup runneth over"; "I don't deserve all this"; "find a chemist from Ayerst"; and the many, many others). Thank you for your desire of just wanting everyone to get along, for you are a peacemaker. Thank you Maa for Kelley, she is undoubtedly your kindred spirit and much of her is a reflection of the time you spent with her. For as long as she is here, a part of you will always be with us. Our family feels particularly greatful for that.
I recall you telling us we we are crazy when we told you we were pregnant with Luke, our sixth child. But I recall you also laughing so hard you were crying and hugging Kelley telling us how proud you were. We are crazy, hopefully just as crazy as you and Paa.
We love you, Maa.
B
Bill Bingel posted a condolence
Monday, April 14, 2014
My deepest sympathy goes out to your entire family. Even though I only met her once, it was easy to see that she was a truly remarkable person as echoed by the tributes on this page by others.
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Dan E. Merchant III (grandson) posted a condolence
Monday, April 14, 2014
Grandma,
Some of my fondest memories growing up were going to your old green & yellow house on Lake Champlain. I remember you telling us the "Lu Lu" stories, giving us a bag of cookies every time we'd leave, the 4th of July picnics in the backyard, and the incredible food & hospitality you showed us around the holidays.
You had a profound impact on my upbringing for which I am truly grateful; it's nearly impossible to put into words. You lived a long & fulfilling life and will truly be missed.
Love,
Daniel
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"Danny" Merchant posted a condolence
Sunday, April 13, 2014
I will always remember Mom's strength and support; she was my #1 fan who encouraged me to reach higher and gave me the confidence to do so. She valued a college education for all of her children and this process started with helping us to learn the alphabet before first grade with homemade flash cards. She was the one who attended all of my swim meets and traveled to my oratorical contests while nursing me back from a severe case of chicken pox in the 11th grade. She was a college educated home economics major who sewed black velvet to the lapels of a white jacket when I couldn’t afford a tux for my prom. Mom was always in my corner rooting for me.
Mom was the most selfless person that I've ever known and put family harmony above everything else, something that she passed on to me, and I to my own family. She was a happy, religious, hard-working, “can-do” person who was loved by everyone who knew her. She will always be a part of our family and its future generations, she will live in my heart forever and I will think of her every day until we are reunited with God. Mom is the rock and foundation of the Merchant family, could anyone ask for a better mother?
Henry Van Dyke poem:
I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.
Then someone at my side says: “There, she is gone!”
“Gone where?”
Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and she is just as able to bear the load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says: “There, she is gone!” There are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout: “Here she comes!”
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Chelsea posted a condolence
Sunday, April 13, 2014
To my sweet Grandmother,
I can't tell you how lucky we were to have you so close growing up. We have so many great memories with you. I will always hold them close. I'll never forgot the love you gave to all of us, as well as my dad. I know his relationship with you is one any parent could only hope for. It was your example of love that made our dad the compassionate, caring, generous, and supportive parent he is, and always will be.
I'll always remember you when I need strength. You are one of the strongest and most honest people I will ever know. I will always look up to you for that.
I will always remember you for your spark and love for your family. We will miss you always, and know you're looking down on us. Smiling, like you always did. Love you always Grandma. Love, Chelsea
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Laura Merchant (daughter-in-law) posted a condolence
Sunday, April 13, 2014
You will be truly missed! We will treasure all our happy memories of family times together especially at the house gathering in you kitchen. All the holidays we shared too. You even taught me how to make turkey stuffing!
I will never forget how you came and stayed with us when I had my surgery... cooked us delicious meals and told Lu Lu stories to the kids at night!
You will be remembered for your love of family and your strength.
May God Bless you and welcome you home!!
Love Laura M.
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Peter Person/Lynn Jarvis posted a condolence
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Sharmin and Jean, please accept our condolences on the loss of your Mom.
Peter and Lynn
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Kelley (granddaughter) posted a condolence
Sunday, April 13, 2014
There are two lasting bequests Ma has given me in my life:
One is roots, the other is wings.
Ma's watchful eye provided for me a beacon of guidance, understanding, patience, morality, Catholic values, and love. Her hardwork ethic and passion for education were cornerstones of her daily life. My memories of Ma are filled with examples of love and kindness. From cutting apples for pie, helping me with homework, solving personal problems (which seemed like world problems), and sharing countless stories while seated at her kitchen table with her hand caressing mine, Ma's influence in my life is unparalleled. Thank you Ma for everything you did and were for me. I am the mother I am today because of you. May you rest peacefully in the embrace of God's arms.
D
Dave Behm posted a condolence
Sunday, April 13, 2014
My heart-felt condolences go out to Dianne, Sharman, Annette, Dan (Dino), and, of course, Betty, for the loss of their Mom. The Merchant family was a large part of my life during my college years at Plattsburgh State. Mrs. Merchant was so kind to me. She and the rest of the family made the house on Montgomery St. seem like a home-away-from home, when my family in Buffalo seemed so far away. May you all find joy and comfort from knowing all the many lives your mother affected in such a positive way, and the ever present love for you that was never farther away than Rouses Point. God Bless. - - - - -Dave Behm
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Jean (John to MA) posted a condolence
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Too many to list but impossible to ever forget the positive impact that she had on my family and me.
The greatest person that ever walked this earth but who was truly heaven sent!
I love you so much Mrs. Merchant (MA). Thanks for giving me all these many years to be mentored by your caring ways.
Your loving son-in-law, John
