Sandra J. “Sandy” Merritt, 63, of Haverhill, died Sunday morning, Nov. 1, at Penacook Place Nursing Home after a battle with cancer.
She was born in Haverhill ,July 14, 1952, daughter of the late Walter L. and Marilyn C. (Harrigan) Merritt. Educated in the Haverhill school system, Merritt graduated from Haverhill High School, class of 1970 and earned her nursing degree from Northern Essex Community College in 1972. For 43 years she was employed as a Nurse at Holy Family Hospital, Methuen. She spent the majority of her career as an oncology nurse, doing what she loved best: caring for her patients. Merritt enjoyed traveling and getting together with family. She traveled to a number of places, including Las Vegas, Aruba, Hawaii and Alaska. Some of her fondest memories were the Vegas trips with “Aunt Ellie and Uncle Dick.” She especially enjoyed taking trips to Cape Cod during the summertime with her parents. One of her favorite activities was watching her beloved Red Sox and Patriots. She embraced any opportunity to watch Red Sox games and discuss the team with her family.
Merritt is survived by a sister, Robin L. Favor and her husband Bryan J. of Groveland; a brother, Walter L. Merritt and his wife Kimberly A. of Haverhill; and four nieces, Lauren E. and Meghan M. Merritt, Michelle L. and Bryanna L. Favor. The family wishes to thank the staff of NorthEast Rehab and Penacook Place for their kindness and compassion both for Merritt and her family. Special thanks to the staff at Holy Family Hospital for taking care of “their own” with tender, loving care.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her calling hours Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Home, 106 Summer St., Haverhill. Her funeral will be Wednesday morning, Nov. 4, at 11 at the Funeral Home. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery, Haverhill. Contributions in her memory may be made to Dana Farber Community Cancer Care, 25 Marston Street, Lawrence, MA, 01843, or Penacook Place Nursing Home, 150 Water St., Haverhill, MA 01830.