Merriam was raised, educated, and married on Chicago’s South Side. Ed and Merriam met at a high school football game in September 1958. Merriam was employed at Illinois Tech (IIT) while Ed attended Illinois Institute of Technology.
They were married on June 29, 1963. After Ed graduated and while working for Shell Oil Company they lived in Milwaukee, Hartland, Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Schaumburg, Illinois, before moving to Livonia.
Merriam administered the credentialing/registration function at over 100 Indycar motor racing events across North America over the last 30 years making many friends along the way. She was an avid seamstress and a long time member of the American Sewing Guild. Merriam practiced her faith privately and publicly while volunteering as a sacristan at St. Aidan parish and at masses celebrated at the motor races.
The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island was her favorite vacation destination and she had the opportunity to visit there with Ed often. Merriam enjoyed swimming, water aerobics, and other activities offered at the Burton Hollow Swim Club where she was a member for 48 years.
Merriam is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Edward; sons, Douglas (Dianna) Weglarz and Gregory (Jennifer) Weglarz; grandchildren, Maggie, Caraline, Joey, and Lucy; and sister, Mildred Nelson.
Merriam was predeceased by her parents, William and Helen.
Visitation will be Sunday, November 22nd, 2020 from 4:30 - 8:00 p.m. (with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m.) at Harry J. Will Funeral Home 37000 West Six Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152. On Monday, November 23rd, 2020 visitation will continue from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 9:30 a.m. at St. Aidan Catholic Church 17500 Farmington Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152.
LiveStream of the funeral on Monday may be viewed at www.saintaidanlivonia.org or on Facebook at
St. Aidan Church Livonia.
As Merriam was a long time Red Kettle bell ringer in Dearborn Heights, memorials in her memory may be made to the Salvation Army of Dearborn Heights - https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/dearbornheights/
Please share a memory of Merriam or condolences with her family at her online guest book below.
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