Merry L. Donley, 67, formerly of Union City, Pa., died on Tuesday, January 8, 2013, at the Corry Manor, Corry, Pa., where she had been a resident. She was born on November 15, 1945 in Meadville, Pa., a daughter of the late Samuel Belfiore and Anna Mae Blystone. As an infant, Merry was adopted by James and Dorothy Limber and was raised and educated in Cleveland, Ohio. She graduated from Shaker Heights High School in 1964 and then attended Ohio State University. In 1968, she became reconnected with her birth family. As a young woman, Merry worked for the Franklin County Welfare Office in Columbus, Ohio. Following her marriage, her main priority became raising and caring for her family. She also worked as a waitress at restaurants in Columbus, including the Jai Alai. Merry later graduated from Ohio Dominican University in Columbus, receiving her Bachelor Degree in Social Work. Merry returned to work with the Franklin County Children's Services for over 10 years and then was a counselor for teens in Zanesville, Ohio. She moved to Union City, Pa. in 2001 and had worked and resided in the area since. Merry enjoyed listening to music, reading and crafting, and was passionate about women's rights. In addition to her parents, Merry was preceded in death by her adoptive parents; a half-sister, Carol Shick; and a half-brother, Worth Cooper. Merry is survived by her first husband, David Raymond of Columbus, Ohio; a daughter, Belle-Suzanne "Lisa" Raymond of Portland, Ore.; a son, Andrew Raymond and his wife Danielle of Columbus, Ohio; a half-sister, Marie Williams and her husband Ken of Corry, Pa.; and a half-brother, Roy Cooper of Union City, Pa. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, including Dan Williams and his wife Robin and Eric Williams and his wife Kathy, all of Union City, Pa.; several paternal half siblings, many cousins and her pet cat, Sunshine. Family and friends are invited attend a memorial service on Friday, January 25, 2013, at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 327 N. Center St., Corry, Pa. at 3:00 p.m. Rev. Alan Coudriet will officiate. Burial will be in Erie County Memorial Gardens, Erie, Pa. Memorials may be made to one's local Hospice Organization or to the family c/o the Bracken Funeral Home, 315 N. Center St., Corry, Pa. 16407.
Somewhere along the line, Merry and I reconnected and wrote for a while. She was having quite a few health problems at the time, but still a bright spirit. I remember going to her house a lot. Her mother was wonderful. We were then sending birthday and Christmas cards, then one was returned and I never heard anything else. I assumed she had passed on. Now it is nice to see her obituary. Thank you to whomever posed this.
My story with Merry is similar -- we were good friends for a couple of years in high school but did not stay in touch. I am guessing I got her contact info maybe from the 30th reunion book and we also exchanged occasional cards and letters. She wanted to come to the 40th, but both the cost and her fragility (needed oxygen, etc.) seemed insurrmountable obstacles. Very sad to know that she is gone forever now...
I remember Merry as a sweet, gentle soul. We would occasionally walk home from school together. At some point she worked at Hough's Bakery (after school? on week-ends? in the summer?) and would beam and rush over to help me whenever I came in to get something. I too am grateful to whomever posted Merry's obituary.
Merry and I were friends in high school. We double dated a lot. Her mom and dad were so nice and so proud of her. Her dad was a Cleveland policeman, if I remember correctly. Merry was funny and bright-enjoyable to be with. We lost touch after graduation. Thank you to whoever posted her obituary..brings closure and the "rest of the story" to all who knew her.
Janet Harold (Anderson)
Somewhere along the line, Merry and I reconnected and wrote for a while. She was having quite a few health problems at the time, but still a bright spirit. I remember going to her house a lot. Her mother was wonderful. We were then sending birthday and Christmas cards, then one was returned and I never heard anything else. I assumed she had passed on. Now it is nice to see her obituary. Thank you to whomever posed this.
Janet Harold Anderson
Dana Shepard (Treister)
Janet~
My story with Merry is similar -- we were good friends for a couple of years in high school but did not stay in touch. I am guessing I got her contact info maybe from the 30th reunion book and we also exchanged occasional cards and letters. She wanted to come to the 40th, but both the cost and her fragility (needed oxygen, etc.) seemed insurrmountable obstacles. Very sad to know that she is gone forever now...
DANA
Carolyn (Corkie) Corcoran (Inglis)
I remember Merry as a sweet, gentle soul. We would occasionally walk home from school together. At some point she worked at Hough's Bakery (after school? on week-ends? in the summer?) and would beam and rush over to help me whenever I came in to get something. I too am grateful to whomever posted Merry's obituary.
Ruth Ann Shehan (Rinto Gilliss)
Merry and I were friends in high school. We double dated a lot. Her mom and dad were so nice and so proud of her. Her dad was a Cleveland policeman, if I remember correctly. Merry was funny and bright-enjoyable to be with. We lost touch after graduation. Thank you to whoever posted her obituary..brings closure and the "rest of the story" to all who knew her.