Merle I. Hansel, 97
Dateline: Wales, MA
Merle I. (Quinham) Hansel, age 97, of Wales, MA, formerly of Mansfield, passed away peacefully, in the presence of her loving family, on Thursday, November 1, 2018 at the Quaboag Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center in West Brookfield. She was the beloved wife of the late John W. Hansel, to whom she was wed for nearly seventy-four years at the time of his death on April 28, 2014.
Born in Lonsdale, Rhode Island on July 29, 1921, she was a loving daughter of the late William E. and Mildred I. (Ballou) Quinham.
A former longtime resident of Mansfield, Merle was a 1937 graduate of Mansfield High School and a dedicated homemaker to her adoring family. Mrs. Hansel was an active member of the First Christian Church in West Mansfield, now called the Meeting House Church, where she taught Sunday School and belonged to the former Women’s Missionary Circle.
Merle’s favorite times were those spent with family and friends. She enjoyed reading, sewing, gardening, homemaking and was a role model to many.
She is survived by her devoted children: Mark V. Hansel of Granby, MA, Margo Chevers of Wales, MA, Karen Fuller and her husband Jonathan of Gray, ME, Kurt A. Hansel of Winchester, MA and Nathan P. Hansel and his wife Paula of Pascoag, RI. She was the dear sister of Janice L. Wright of Jacksonville, FL, and is also survived by her cherished 9 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren, as well as 2 nieces and 1 nephew.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to a service in celebration of her life on Thursday, December 6th at 11:00 A.M. in the Meeting House Church, 11 Otis St., West Mansfield. Burial will follow at the Spring Brook Cemetery in Mansfield.
Those wishing may remember Merle with a donation in her memory made to the American Cancer Society, 1324 Belmont St. #204, Brockton, MA 02301.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 North Main St., Mansfield.
To send her family a message of condolence, please visit www.shermanjackson.com