Eleanor C. Merkley
August 5, 1927 - February 24, 2010
Biography
Funeral services for Eleanor C. Merkley, 82 of 4581 State Hwy 68 in Flackville, will be held in the spring with burial to follow at Hillcrest Cemetery. Mrs. Merkley peacefully passed away at her home of 60 years, surrounded by her family on Wednesday (Feb 24, 2010). There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are with the Fox & Murray Funeral Home.
Surviving is her husband of 60 years Donald B. Merkley; four children and their spouses, Donald S. & Nancy Merkley of Lisbon, Diane & Richard Moore of Heuvelton, Mark & Lisa Merkley of Heuvelton, Lynda & Mac Carr of Lisbon; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a sister Helen Finley & her husband Robert of Cicero; a sister-in-law Mary Livingston of Canton, and four nieces & nephews.
Eleanor was born on August 5, 1927 in Ogdensburg, NY the daughter of Gilbert & Jessie (Scott) Clark, and the great-granddaughter of Adam Scott, who is said to have migrated from Ireland in the 1840s due to the potato famine. Mr. Scott has been portrayed as one of the earliest settlers in the history books of St. Lawrence County. She graduated from Potsdam State in 1949 with a Bachelor's degree in education, and then married Donald B. Merkley on August 12, 1950 at the Presbyterian Church in Heuvelton with Rev. Allan Bowering presiding.
Her career began at local schools in Gouverneur, Canton, Heuvelton and Lisbon, and in 1968, she received a position at Lincoln Elementary School where she was employed as a 1st grade teacher until her retirement in 1992. Eleanor was instrumental in starting two 4-H clubs and served as an active leader for the Flackville Kings, which later became the Kings & Queens. She was also a member of the County 4-H Board of Directors, The Cooperative Extension Board of Directors, Treasurer of the Flackville Presbyterian Church for 30 years, and an active member of the Lisbon Library Board.
She loved the outdoors, and met hundreds of people with the family operated business of Merkleys U-Pick fruits and vegetables. She was dedicated to her friends, family, home and career, which continued many years after retirement through helping local Amish teachers with their lesson plans.
At the family’s request, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York – 441 West Kirkpatrick St; Syracuse, NY 13204-1361
Facts
Born: August 5, 1927
Death: February 24, 2010
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