SEBAGO- It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Zeruah “Zee” Merrow, on October 13, 2024, at the age of 54.
Zeruah was born on January 24, 1970, a daughter to the late Wendell and Nancy (Letourneau) Merrow in Portland, Maine.
Zeruah will hold a special place in the hearts of all who knew her, but especially her husband William Brown, children William Merrow, Ianna Zarkowski, and Lillia Beckner; grandchildren William, Tiffany, Elmire, Brealyn, and Hope; brothers Clifford Merrow, Michael Merrow, and Lyle Merrow; and her nieces Karima Troiano and Rahima Habibzai. She also leaves behind many cousins and friends.
Zeruah enjoyed so much of what life had to offer. Spending time with her children was always at the top of the list, no matter what they were doing. From BBQs to spending summers floating on Sebago Lake, attending concerts, or just driving in the car with the radio all the way up, you’d always find her with a radiating smile spread across her face. She enjoyed more than anything holidays with her family and creating the most special memories with her children that will be cherished for the rest of their lives. She truly gave her all in everything that she did.
Zeruah was the epitome of what a mother should be, even to those who weren’t her children. No matter who you were
She had a shoulder for you to cry on or a laugh that she could share. She always had words of wisdom to give to those who needed it or an ear to lend when words weren’t needed. She loved with her whole heart and would find a way to help anyone she could. Her family and friends were everything to her until the very end.
Those who knew Zeruah know the passion she had for cooking and baking, but above all the love she had for making sure those around her never had an empty stomach. Feeding those she loved no matter the time or the place was something that she held so much pride in. She never let anyone go hungry and always had a plate to share at her table. Zeruah was most proud of the few years she got to share that passion while working at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Scarborough, where she was able to keep so many veterans well fed at the end of their lives. She was extraordinarily proud of her time spent there ensuring that they got the best cooked meals. She found the most honor and privilege in being able to serve them the best way she knew how.
The one thing that Zeruah held closest to her heart besides her children was music. Specifically the love she had for her favorite band, Blue October. She shared her love of them with anyone who took the time to listen. For the last few years, she jumped at the chance to go to any of their concerts, attending over half a dozen of their shows across New England in just the last few years alone. She was happiest singing her heart out with her two daughters by her side at nearly every show. Her children plan on continuing this tradition in her memory. Her family hopes that anyone who shared this love with her will remember her when they hear their favorite song and will relish knowing how happy it would have made her.
A celebration of life will be held in her honor at a date that is to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to her daughter, Ianna Zarkowski, so her family can purchase a memorial plaque in her honor.
Donations can be made via cash, check, cash app, or Venmo @iannaz1358.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Poitras Funeral Homes, www.mainefuneral.com