Marcella Merrill

Marcella Merrill, 87, of Camillus, passed away peacefully Saturday, December 19, 2009 at Francis House. Born in Marcellus on Friday, December 23, 1921, she was the daughter of Melvin C. Merrill and Martha Zavalauskas Merrill. She was a lifetime resident of the Syracuse area. A graduate of Solvay High School, Marcella also graduated from Syracuse University and received her master’s degree from SUNY Cortland. She taught for 31 years with the Syracuse City School District, retiring in 1977. She enjoyed teaching, reading and traveling. Marcella was predeceased by her beloved brother, Melvin Merrill, in 1997. Surviving are her niece, Linda Zavalauskas; aunt, Beverly Zavalauskas; cousins, Ray Hart, Sister Noel Hart, Gary (Sindee) Zavalauskas, Bill (Margaret) Hart, Maryann Ridgway, Philip Walotsky, Kathy Kelly, Gerri Cass, Ellen Hart, Joanne Hart, Leroy Wood; and neighbors, John and Maryann D’Alessio, Ken and Judy Davis and the Sierotnik Family. Marcella is a most beloved member of her family and her passing is deeply felt. Family and friends are welcomed to attend a funeral Mass which will be celebrated on Marcella’s birthday, Wednesday, December 23, at 1:30 p.m. at Holy Family Church followed by a luncheon at Nestico’s……too! There will be no calling hours per Marcella’s wishes. Arrangements are by the Buranich Funeral Home, Camillus. Burial will be private for the family at St. Mary’s Cemetery, DeWitt. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Marcella may be made to Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave., Syracuse, NY 13208.