NELLIGAN, Merrilyn S.
Born September 8, 1930 in Toronto, Canada, to Herman and Olga (Leps) Schanche. Died October 29, 2017 at Gorham House, Gorham, ME. Formerly of Old Lyme and Westbrook, CT.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, David J Nelligan, MD.
Predeceased by her sisters Aline Forret, Lois McNair and Barbara Riley.
Devoted mother of
Karen Dwyer (Richard) of Needham, MA;
David F (Katy Cavanaugh) of South Portland, ME;
James P (Kate) of Kennebunkport, ME;
Ann E Nelligan of Cornish, ME;
Michael J (Tasha Brodeur) of Parsonsfield, ME;
Kathleen Krafjack (Brian) of Swans Island, ME; and
Elizabeth K Nelligan (Frederick Schavior) of Lyme, CT.
Loving grandmother of Matthew Dwyer, Andrew, Katherine, Meredith and William Nelligan,
Liam Nelligan and Rory Cavicke.
Survived by many nieces and nephews.
As a child, she was the third generation of her family to spend summers at Spray Beach, NJ, where she developed a passion for the ocean and sailing.
Graduated from University of New Hampshire B.S. in Bacteriology 1951.
She conducted viral studies at Yale Medical School Microbiology Lab and the Karolinska Institute research lab in Stockholm, Sweden, prior to raising her children.
She was a literacy advocate and volunteer and served many years on the Board of Education in Westbrook, CT, the town in which she and her husband raised their children, and lived for 51 years.
She was a classical pianist, an avid skier and an accomplished tole and decoy painter. She enjoyed bird watching, gourmet cooking and attending art museums. She loved horseback riding from the age of 5 through her 80’s.
Merrilyn was full of enthusiasm and fun. She was known for her generosity of spirit, making all feel welcome and imparting strength and kindness to those around her.
At her family’s request, the celebration of her life will be a private ceremony at a date to be determined. Donations in her memory can be made to:
Literacy Volunteers, Valley Shore CT, Inc., 61 Goodspeed Drive, Westbrook, CT 06498; or
City of Portland Family Shelter Donation Fund, C/O Jeff Tardif, Director, 54 Chestnut Street, Portland, ME 04101