Rachel Merrill

Rachel B. Merrill, 72, died at a local hospital December 27, 2021 after battling COVID. She was born August 14, 1949 in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, third of four children of Alcide and Jeannette (Sene) Briere.

Rachel grew up in Bellingham, Massachusetts, where she received several honors in High School. She earned BA and Masters degrees while working full time. She lived in Boston and then New Hampshire.

Rachel was very active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In 1986 she met Lawrence Merrill, then of Bangor, at a church function. She gave up a promising career in New Hampshire to marry him and move to Maine. After several years in Bangor, they moved to Orrington, where they had great neighbors and recently celebrated 35 years of marriage. She worked with computers at several businesses in Bangor until retiring in 2014.

Rachel thoroughly enjoyed retirement. She took many classes and made many friends at the YM, she started a “Lunch Bunch” for monthly lunches, and became quite active in political causes. She volunteered with Beacon Hospice and various charities. She loved animals, including current cats Angel, Shadow and Duchess, who miss her. She was totally loyal and had strong convictions.

She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Richard Briere. She is survived by her husband, her sister Janet Papa (spouse Kevin), brother Gerald Briere (Rona), sister-in-law Linda Kalish, brother-in-law Ray Merrill, several nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, and many friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M., Monday, January 3, 2022 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 639 Grandview Avenue, Bangor. Refreshments and conversation will follow at the church. Face coverings are required regardless of vaccination status. Interment will be in North Penobscot in the spring. Rachel wasn’t a fan of cut flowers, so in lieu thereof please consider a donation to a worthy cause. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.