Wakefield High Graduate Merrie Graf Passes Away

An obituary from Douglas Edgerley & Bessom:

Meredith “Merrie” Graf, 75, of Peabody passed away peacefully on Feb. 14 with her son and daughter by her side. She was 75.

She was born to Ruth and Nelson Cronk, of Marblehead, on July 21, 1943. Merrie graduated from Wakefield High School (Class of 1961) and received her degree in Dental Hygiene from Westbrook Junior College (Class of 1963).

She is survived by her children, Diane (Marsden) Morley and husband Ryan, of Peabody, MA, Doug Marsden and wife Kristen, of Marblehead, MA, and grandchildren Allison, Ty, Jacob and Julia. Her family was the absolute center of her life, with exceptional love for her grandchildren. Just days before her passing she insisted on signing and sending her customary Valentine’s Day cards to her grandchildren from her hospital room. She was also very close with her Jones and Bucknam cousins, especially cousin Sue who was like a big sister to her. She was predeceased by her second husband, William Harris Graf, in 2004.

Merrie cherished her frequent get-togethers and trips with her college friends, the Brookies as well as visits and lunches with her childhood friend Pat and close friend Joan. When not out with friends, she spent her days crafting, reading, making scrapbooks for each grandchild and her favorite - caring for her grandchildren.

By Merrie’s request, there will not be a service and burial will be private. The family will have a celebration of her life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Ellie Fund (elliefund.org)