Mary Ann Merchant, 86, of Wooster died just after breakfast on Friday, August 6, 2021 at her home.
She was born April 18, 1935 in Honolulu, HI to Robert and Janie Hale Healy. On October 13, 1962, she married her husband of nearly 59 years Robert Merchant. He survives.
Mary Ann lived in Hawaii until she left to go to college in 1953, graduating from the University of Colorado in 1957. She and Bob have resided in Wooster since October 1978. Prior to her marriage Mary Ann had worked for the Federal Government in both Washington, D.C. and in Berlin, Germany. She later worked as a secretary for both the Wooster High School Athletic Department and for the Wayne County Career Center in the Adult Education program.
She was an avid bridge player and was a member of many bridge groups in Wooster. She had the pleasure of teaching her class of 4 students the afternoon before she passed away. Mary Ann was also involved with the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and the Women s Committee for the Wooster Symphony Orchestra.
Along with her husband, Mary Ann is survived by her children Rhett (Mia) Merchant of PA and Leigh Ann Merchant of AK; grandchildren Van Merchant, Kye Merchant and Mikala (Mason) Fausnaught, whose wedding she had the great joy of attending in late May. She is also survived by her twin brother Robert Healy and his family.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
There will be an open house on Friday, August 13, 2021 from 1:00-4:00 PM at the Merchant residence, 332 Blair Blvd., Wooster, where they have lived since Memorial Day weekend 1988.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be directed to the Wayne County Community Foundation, Women s Committee for the Wooster Symphony Orchestra Fund, 517 N. Market St., Wooster, OH 44691.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Memorial Contributions
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be directed to the Wayne County Community Foundation, Women s Committee for the Wooster Symphony Orchestra Fund, 517 N. Market St., Wooster, OH 44691.
Service
There will be an open house on Friday, August 13, 2021 from 1:00-4:00 PM at the Merchant residence, 332 Blair Blvd., Wooster, where they have lived since Memorial Day weekend 1988.
Visitation
Dear Leigh and family ,I sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing.What a great person she was.
Dear Bob an Family,
I enjoyed MaryAnn so much and the Bridg class was a bonus. We had much in common with traveling Germany and having lived overseas. I was stunned and so deeply saddened to hear of her passing on Saturday. SHe was a wonderful woman and had a lovely family. My deepest sympathy and condolences at this hard turn of events for you all.
Sincerely,
Julie Smith
So sorry for your loss.
I will always remember Mary Ann for her gracious invitations to include me in her various bridge organizations She was a special friend because of her generous and warm personality. My sincere condolences.
Bob sorry to hear of the passing of Mary Ann. Thinking of you at this time.
Bob, Rhett and Mia, and Leigh,
My heart is aching as I reflect on the many good years of friendship. You all have been in my prayers as I deal with Ray’s many health issues. I had to step away and think deeply of the genuine friendship we have cherished thru the years starting in Willowick, Ohio. May the Peace of the Lord always be with you. Joan Bowen
Dear Bob and family,
We enjoyed learning to know Mary Ann through the Wooster farmers market. Our deepest sympathy.