PORTLAND — Merilyn E. Ward, beloved Mom, Grammie, Sister, and friend joined her Angels Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013, at the age of 71. She passed at Maine Medical Center in Portland after a long illness, with over 20 family members at her side.

She was born in Freeport on Feb. 6, 1942, to Albert and Roberta (Goud) Graham. She grew up in Bridgton and attended school there. She was married to Arthur W. Ward for over 20 years and together they had three sons.

Merilyn was a longtime employee of Malden Mills and a homemaker for many years. She had been retired for 20 years due to her health.

She loved her social life at Silver Pines with her many friends, collecting Angels, Bingo night and, of course, anything Elvis (starting her first Elvis scrapbook at the age of 14). She had made two pilgrimages to Graceland. She also loved family and family events and all the day trips she and her BFF and sisters made over the years. Most of all Merilyn loved her “boys” and grandkids, and cherished any time spent with them. The grandkids will forever have stories to tell about “Skip Bo.”

Merilyn is survived by her three “boys” and their wives, Wayne and Deb of Harrison, Wyatt and DiAnne of Albany, Wade and Kimberly of Buckfield; stepchildren (whom she loved as her own), Melanie (Baker) Farrington of Fryeburg, and Jarrett Baker and his wife Teresa of Fryeburg; 13 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Mindi, Nikki, Tia, Adam, Jason, Falishia, Whitney, Martika, Wade, Kylie, Kaylin, Bryson, and Madelynn; siblings, Arlene Matlock, Joan (Paul) Kiesman, Virginia (Roger) Pinkham, Jennifer (Rod) Blood, and Roland H. Graham; and many nieces and nephews whom she cherished. She is also survived by her BFF, constant traveling companion, and sister-in-law Margie (Phil) Ward.

Merilyn was predeceased by her parents; siblings James Randall, Mary Antoniak Smith, Nancy Payne, Albert (Butch) Graham, Ann Marie Goldthwaite; her grandson Wayne Wescott Ward; and her beloved housemate, her cat Kailey.

A small family service was held on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013. at the North Fryeburg Community Chapel.

In lieu of flowers Merilyn would love to have donations made to Harvest Hills Animal Shelter in Fryeburg.

Please visit www.advantageportland.com to sign Merilyn’s guestbook and to leave condolences for the family.