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Eleanor Merrill, Former Augustan, Passes Away at 96

Eleanor N. (Nigro) Merrill, a former resident of Augusta, Maine, passed away peacefully at the age of 96 in Reading, Massachusetts, on May 5, 2023.

Early Life and Family

Eleanor was born in Augusta, Maine, to Italian immigrants Nicola and Maria Nigro. She was the youngest of seven children and grew up in a close-knit family.

She attended local schools and graduated from Cony High School in 1945. After graduation, she worked as a secretary for several years before marrying her husband, Robert Merrill.

Move to Massachusetts

In the early 1950s, Eleanor and Robert moved to Reading, Massachusetts, where they raised their two children, Robert Jr. and Diane.

Eleanor devoted her life to her family and was a loving and supportive wife and mother. She was also an active member of her community, volunteering for various organizations.

Later Years

In her later years, Eleanor enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was also an avid reader and enjoyed playing bridge.

Eleanor will be remembered for her kindness, her sense of humor, and her unwavering love for her family.

Funeral Services

Funeral services for Eleanor were held on May 10, 2023, at the Douglass Funeral Home in Reading, Massachusetts. She was laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Augusta, Maine.

Eleanor is survived by her children, Robert Merrill Jr. (Susan) of Reading, Massachusetts, and Diane Merrill (William) of Woburn, Massachusetts; her grandchildren, Robert Merrill III (Jessica) of North Reading, Massachusetts, and Michael Merrill of Reading, Massachusetts; and her great-grandchildren, Robert IV and Emily Merrill.

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert Merrill, and her siblings, Joseph Nigro, Jennie Nigro, Tony Nigro, Mary Nigro, Lena Nigro, and Frank Nigro.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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