Frances A. “Fran” (Rickard) Merkel, 83, a resident of Needham since 1952, died Thurs May 19, 2005 at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Needham Campus.
Born in Gagetown, New Brunswick, Canada she had lived in many areas of the Northeast as a child. She graduated from Palmer High School and attended Becker Business School in Worcester. She worked as a clerk for Talbots Clothing in Wellesley and as a driver for At Your Service, where she drove elderly people to various appointments. She had been a longtime member of the Needham Congregational Church and had served for many years on the Friendly Society of the church. She was also one of the original members of the Needham Pool & Racquet Club.
She is survived by her children Andrea McLean of Ashland, Glenn B. Merkel of New Braintree, and Jan Merkel Ward of Amherst NH; her brothers Thomas Rickard of So. Yarmouth, and Norman Rickard of Franklin. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend visiting hours in the Eaton Funeral Home 1351 Highland Ave. Needham. on Tues May 24 from 5-8 PM. Funeral and interment services will be private.
Memorials in Fran’s name may be made to the Needham Congregational Church 1154 Great Plain Ave. Needham, MA 02492.