Linda Merrill

Old Orchard Beach

1955 – 2022

Linda Merrill, 66, of Old Orchard Beach, ME, passed away peacefully at Maine Medical Center on June 20 ^th , 2022 surrounded by her family. Born in Brattleboro, VT, Linda was the daughter of Richard and Janet (Wallace) Cunningham. Linda was a 1973 graduate of Brattleboro Union High School and later went on to the Thompson House School of Nursing where she pursued a career in nursing. She had a career as a nurse at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital before moving to Maine and working for Southern Maine Medical Center where she retired in 2021. Linda met her husband David Merrill in 1974 and later married on November 19, 1979.

Linda had a love for adventure - she and David spent much time sailing in Burlington and cross-country skiing around New England. Linda and David started their family in Brattleboro, VT, where they raised two daughters, Robin, and Sara Merrill.

Linda cared deeply about helping others through her 30-year career as a nurse. A career her daughter, Robin also pursued. When Linda wasn't working, she enjoyed being with her family and enjoying the great outdoors. Whether it was planting in the garden of her Vermont home or driving to Maine to watch the storms on the ocean. She found joy in the natural beauty New England has to offer. Linda also loved the holidays where she would go all out with decorations and meals that brought the family together. Linda prided herself on having the spookiest house on the block during Halloween and played all the classics while baking holiday favorites with her family during Christmas.

Linda recently retired from Southern Maine Medical Center. She relished in her retirement by spending much of her time enjoying the Maine coastline and being around her beloved dog Jake. The beach was Linda's happy place. She loved to take long walks on the beach, listening to the natural sounds of the ocean waves, especially catching a big thunderstorm. Linda also enjoyed maintaining traditions. On Sundays, she and David would grab coffee and the Sunday paper by the pier in Old Orchard Beach watching the morning waves. On occasion they would pick up fresh seafood and watch the tall ships – reminiscing on her and David's earlier years sailing.

Linda is survived by her husband, David, their two daughters Robin Merrill of Old Orchard Beach, ME and Sara Merrill and her partner Vay Lao and his sons Dylan and Ryder of Biddeford, ME, her mother Janet Cunningham of Biddeford, ME, her brother David Cunningham and his wife Barbara of Saco, Maine, her sister Diane Olson and her husband Steve of Brattleboro, Vermont and many nieces and nephews.

Linda is predeceased by her father Richard (Dick) Cunningham and brother Richard (Dickie) Cunningham.

Per Linda's request, there will be no formal service however a celebration of Linda's life will be scheduled at a later date.