Patricia G. Merritt, 91

Patricia G. Merritt

Patricia G. Merritt

SEBAGO — Patricia Ann Goodwin Merritt, 91, passed peacefully at home in Sebago surrounded by the love of her family and friends on Thursday, June 27, 2013.

Patty was born in her home in Kezar Falls on July 20, 1921 to Frank P. Goodwin Jr. and Ethel Gilpatrick.

In her youth, Patty was trained by her dad as a hunter, fisherman and equestrian. She graduated from Gould Academy, and then attended the Bouve Boston School of Physical Education. When her mother showed her an ad for physical therapy training at the Mayo Clinic, her fate was decided. She joined the United States Army Nurses’ Corps as a physical therapist and served during both WWII and the Korean Conflict. Her first post after being commissioned was the Army’s Deshon General Hospital in Butler, Pa. After being transferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, she met her future husband, Chester Merritt, when he became one of her patients. They were married in Maryland in 1951 on the Fourth of July, and spent their evening watching the fireworks in Washington, D.C. They subsequently had three children. After spending some time in Milwaukee, Chet and Patty moved back to Maine, where both worked in the family businesses.

Her husband’s death in 1974 left Patty to run the Goodwin’s Lodge in Sebago. After retiring from the lodge, Patty dedicated herself to her children and grandchildren. In her later years, she joined her son, Richard, in his home in Sebago, where she enjoyed the company of her family and her kitty, Jack-Jack. She especially looked forward to her son Frank’s oyster stew. She also loved “talking” to Ricky the rooster every morning with the chicken yard just outside her room!

Patty is survived by her sons Frank Merritt and Richard Merritt, both of Sebago; daughter, Alice Merritt of Kezar Falls; her four grandchildren and a great-grandson.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, July 20 at 11 a.m. at the Stanley Cemetery, located on Route 160 in South Hiram, followed by an open house celebration of Patty’s 92 years from 1 to 4 p.m. at Frank and Brenda Merritt’s home at 7 Spring Lane (on Route 114, across from Goodwin’s Lodge in Sebago). Online condolences may be expressed at: www.wnyfuneralhome.com