Manchester, N.H.
Marlene Barbara Brown Merchant, 82, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2020, at Hanover Hill Health Care Center in Manchester, N.H.
Marlene was born on Jan. 11, 1938, in Inglewood, Calif., to Ernestine Gray Brown and Robert Everett Brown. At age 5, stepfather George E. Shellman came into her life. She grew up in Allston, Mass., and was a graduate of Brighton High School. In 1958, she married Thomas A. Merchant and moved to Hancock and raised her children.
For most of Marlene’s life, she worked with people who had physical and mental disabilities. While in this profession, she received a citation from the governor of New Hampshire naming her “Best Home Care Provider” in the region. She moved to New Hampshire in 1995 to be close to her family, whom she loved with all her heart. She had very fond memories of the ocean and of Winter Harbor, where she felt most comfortable. She moved to Hanover Hill in 2014, where she made many friends, as she did with anyone she came into contact with throughout her wonderful life. She will be missed by many and forgotten by none.
She is survived by her sons; Thomas E., Robert C. and wife, Jennifer, Burton A., John E. and wife, Karen; daughter Donna M. Theriault and husband, Mike; grandchildren Lucas, Connor, Hannah, Haley, Hopeful, Hunter, Harrison, Kylie, Matthew, Jax and Austin; and great-grandchild, Finn. She also had two amazing lifelong friends, Sheri Williams and sister-in-law Kay Merchant. After many attempts by both families to rejoin Kay and Marlene, they are together now, raising heck once again.
Marlene’s wishes are to have no funeral, but a “no tears” celebration of her life to be announced at a later date. Brewitt Funeral Service, 2 Epping St., Raymond, N.H. is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, Marlene has asked for contributions to be made to Hanover Hill Health Care Center, ATTN: Activities Dept., 700 Hanover St., Manchester, NH 03104.
For more information, please visit brewittfuneralhome.com.