FORT ANN – Merrilee F. (Shaw) Howard, 75, of Fort Ann, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at Albany Medical Center with her loving family at her side.
Born January 19, 1949, Merrilee was the daughter of the late Edward Shaw and Dorothy Deihl.
Merrilee was a graduate of Glens Falls High School. During her senior year of high school, she was employed at Glens Falls Hospital, working in the finance department.
After leaving Glens Falls Hospital, she began working at NAMIC in Glens Falls. Merrilee stayed with the company as the business changed over to Pfizer, Boston Scientific, Navilyst Medical, and finally Angio Dynamics. She retired in 2014 after 38 years of dedicated service.
Merrilee married Frank Howard at the First Baptist Church of Hudson Falls on April 17, 1998, and spent the next 26 years together.
She was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Hudson Falls. She enjoyed managing the thrift store at the church. Merrilee took great pride in giving back to the community.
Merrilee was a die-hard BINGO participant. She knew where all the great places were in Washington and Warren Counties to play BINGO. Merrilee loved the ocean. Every second weekend in September, she could be found in York, Maine. She also loved taking trips to Florida so she could spend time with her family who reside in the Sunshine State.
When she wasn’t always on the go driving fifty miles a day in her car, Merrilee would spend time cooking and baking. She loved reading books written by Nora Roberts and Catherine Coulter. She also enjoyed reading the Percy Jackson series. At times Merrilee could be found competing in a game of Connect Four.
Most of all, family and GOD were her world. The worst day for Merrilee’s family was the greatest of all days for her.
In addition to her parents, Merrilee was predeceased by her sisters, Janice Jacobson, Margaret Madison, and Kathy Bosley.
Merrilee is survived by her husband of 26 years, Frank Howard; her children, Lester Wood, Jr., Lori (Jefferson) Zapete, and Kim (Aaron) Harrington; Frank’s son’s, Frank (Rachel) Howard, Jr., Andrew (Candice) Howard, Mike Howard, and John Woodard. She is also survived by her grandchildren LJ, Salena, Julianna, Brenden, Hollie, Henry, Abram, Elijah, Fiona, Emma, and Natalie; her great grandchildren, Edward and Lola; and several nieces, and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., located at 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
Burial will take place at the Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 11 a.m., 200 Duell Road in Schuylerville.
Memorial Donations in Merrilee’s name may be made to the Fort Ann Rescue Squad, Inc., 11287 NY-149, Fort Ann, New York 12827 or the First Baptist Church of Hudson Falls, 118 Main Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839.
Frank and families, I am so sorry to here of the passing of Merrilee. Frank I knew you when you worked at Valcour , I was honored to meet Merrilee at the thrift shop, she will be truly missed. My deepest though and prayers are with all of you.
💔🙏🙏💔
She was my dearest friend, there isn’t anything she wouldn’t do for a friend, I miss her so much all ready, Hope you are at peace now, sending prayers, So glad i got to spend her last week with her
So sorry for your families loss, Merrilee was kind loving person , saw her every week at the thrift store, she will be missed🙏😢
So sorry for your loss. She was a amazing woman
She was my and many other’s Grammie. Grammie always talked about how she wanted to meet the lord someday and now I’m so overjoyed for her now that her biggest wish was granted. She will definitely be missed, but the green loving Grammie will always be with us. 💗
Merrilee was an angel who we were lucky to walk beside on earth.
She was happiness, love and positivity always. We will miss you.
To Frank and their families Tim and I send our deepest condolences and love. ♥️
Condolences to Merrilee’s family. We worked together for many years and her kindness was
Second to none! RIP!
So sorry for your loss Frank and for the loss of your best friend Nurse Kim
I just heard today about her passing. I went to the thrift store thinking I’d see her smiling and asking me how I am and excited to show me any skull items she found. She was an amazing woman and will be deeply missed. My prayers go out to you.
MERILEE WAS AND STILL IS A GREAT BEAUTIFUL SOUL 💖 SHE WAS A ANGEL 😇 ON Earth 🌎 and know is one in Heaven 🌟🤩⭐ . SHE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY ALL OF US THAT NEW HER 💘 rest in peace ✌🙏 my beautiful forever friend ❤ love 💘you 💖💕 love your friends forever wendy &Chris and kyle Andrews ❤💙💙
Merrilee was a kind and caring woman. Dedicated her time to help others. I had the privilege to work at NAMIC with her for many years. My heart goes out to her family and husband. May she find internal rest in the Lord. 🙏🙏
She will be missed I worked with her at the namic and on for 14 years she was always happy to talk with me my heart goes out to the whole family
I worked with Lester at Valcour,I am sending my condolences.I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom and grandmother to your children.May she RIP and watch over her family from above.
I am so sorry for your loss. I used to wait on Merilee at the credit union and I just loved her. She was always a very happy person. Even though I have not seen her in a while I will never forget her. May God Be with you all
Met Merrilee when I worked at NAMIC. When I was just starting out, she gave me a chance and encouraged me. What a nice lady.
It was a joy to visit the First Baptist Church of Hudson Falls thrift store and have a holy encounter with Merrilee. She showed the great love she had for God by her spirit of caring about others with kindness. Merrilee will be greatly missed.
Prayerfully,
Sharon Bogdan
My deepest sympathies to Merrilee’s family. She was the best and will be deeply missed
Merrilee was a wonderful a person and one of the most cherished Namic Associates in the history of the company.
My prayers you and your entire family.
Rest in peace!
Merrilee was an amazing person… always looked forward to seeing her in and out of work… what a tragedy for the family. Merrilee will be missed…
Merrilee was a very special lady; we worked together for Over 16 yrs. She was always.there to help everyone that needed it. She will be missed by so many people. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. Love ❤️
It was a joy to visit the First Baptist Church of Hudson Falls thrift store and have a friendly, holy encounter with Merrilee. The love she had for our Lord was evident, with the kind and caring spirit she showed for others. Merrilee will truly be missed.
prayerful condolences,
Sharon Bogdan