Margaret "Peggy" Merrill

In as much as she gave, Peggy Merrill was loved abundantly and cherished in the hearts of many. With a grace all her own, she enlightened those in her company with her generous spirit, kind demeanor, and social zest for life. A lifelong resident of Vicksburg, Peggy served her community with pride and thanksgiving for the wonderful place she called home. She was devoted in all her endeavors, serving as a mentor not only to others, but also to her family whom brought her the greatest joy. Deeply missed, Peggy will be long remembered in the hearts of many.

As the effects of the 1929 stock market crash continued throughout America, the difficult days of the Great Depression created a jobless rate of nearly four million. Even so, Americans continued to be optimistic, and looked towards the future. Families across the nation were in awe as New York City opened the Empire State Building, and celebrated as the Star-Spangled banner was adopted as the U.S. national anthem. In the Michigan city of Vicksburg, Maurice and Mary (Mullen) Rawlinson had much to be thankful for when on July 12, 1931 they welcomed the birth of their little girl, Margaret Ann into their arms.

The first of four children, Margaret was later joined by her younger siblings, Charles, Rita, and Elizabeth. Although they first lived in the community of Fulton, when Margaret was ten years old they made Vicksburg their permanent home. Her father supported their family as a "jack-of-all-trades" for a time before beginning Rawlinson Electric. The business eventually included plumbing, heating and cooling, and her mother worked in sales and did bookkeeping for the family business. Margaret and her family settled nicely into Vicksburg where her father also served at one time as the Vicksburg Village President.

Peggy attended the local schools where she was well liked and made lasting friendships. It was at a school football game where Peggy met the young man who would come to hold her heart, Robert Merrill. She graduated from Vicksburg High School with the Class of 1949 before going on to further her education at Western Michigan University. Later in life, she took several courses in banking.

After dating for a time and in love, Peggy and Robert were happily married on February 3, 1951 in Mendon at the St. Edward’s Catholic Church parsonage. Together they were blessed with five beautiful daughters, Gwyn, Beth, Sue, Jeanne, and Julie who made their life complete. Very family oriented, Peggy was involved in the lives of her girls. Memorable times were shared taking in day trips and several family vacations, and celebrating the holidays which were always very special to Peggy. She hosted big Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings, usually with no fewer than 40 people, and always the lady, carried herself with usual grace. She was a wonderful cook, and loved entertaining family and friends alike at their home. A top notch organizer, Peggy held a fulltime job all while creating a good and loving home for Robert and their daughters.

Peggy was just as much a devoted wife and mother as she was a dedicated, dependable worker. She worked as the Assistant Vice President of First of America Bank, currently PNC Bank, working at the Parchment office for over 11 years. Altogether, Peggy's career in banking spanned in excess of 30 years. Her work in banking was a good fit as she absolutely loved the Vicksburg community, and was a people person through and through.

Throughout the years, Peggy was involved in many phases of the community she loved. When her girls were young, she became a lifelong member of the Vicksburg Mother’s Club, and served as a Girl Scout Troop Leader. She belonged to the Irish American Club, the Rotary Club, and was a charter member and treasurer of the Parchment Rotary. Once retired, Peggy transferred her Rotary membership to Vicksburg where she received the Paul Harris Award in 2008. She was active in their Strive Program in a joint effort with the high school, serving as a past president. Peggy took to heart her role and involvement with Strive where students are paired with community mentors. She was assistant governor of District #6360 Rotary for several clubs: Athens, Battle Creek, Cereal City, Three Rivers and Vicksburg. She was a charter member and past president of Vicksburg Lioness Club and past president of Credit Professionals International, Kalamazoo Chapter. She served as treasurer for the Ladies Library Auxiliary as well as Vicksburg United Way. She was also on the Vicksburg Village Council for several terms.

In retirement, Peggy reveled spending time with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she adored. When it came to music, Peggy liked Irish music and some big band music, too. She liked playing Bridge, took a keen interest in her love of history, and was an avid reader. Peggy also had a heart for travel. In her lifetime she ventured to many different countries including: England, Scotland, Wales, Germany, Netherlands, Australia, New Zeeland, Fiji, Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco and most of all Ireland . It was in Ireland where she located her extended family. She became very close with her cousins Cris Counihan, as well John and Bibi O'Conner and their family. They maintained close relationships with their Irish family and visited four times over the years.

The foundation of her family, Peggy exemplified what it means to be a true matriarch. She held her family and friends in the highest regard, and with loving kindness. Ever dedicated to those she loved, Peggy will be fondly missed and remembered for all that she was, and all she continues to be in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Margaret “Peggy” Merrill, of Vicksburg, passed away Monday, November 17, 2014 at the age of 83. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Robert; five daughters: Gwyn (Larry) Grubka of OH, Beth (John) Foster of Portage, Sue (Daniel) Cooley, Jeanne Sears, and Julie Merrill, all of Vicksburg; 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren with one on the way. She is also survived by two sisters, Rita Brown of Vicksburg and Elizabeth Parker of AZ. Peggy was preceded in death by her brother, Charles Rawlinson and a grandson Eric Sears.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 4-7 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg (269-649-1697) and on Saturday at 10:00 AM at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2014, 11:00 AM at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church. Please visit Peggy’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a favorite memory or photo of Peggy and sign her online guestbook. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association, Vicksburg Community Schools Foundation, Vicksburg Historical Society and/or SPCA of Southwest Michigan.