Rita Merriam

NORTH OXFORD - Rita G. (Stafford) Merriam, 85, formerly of Merriam District, died Monday, May 24, 2010, at the Life Care Center of Auburn. She was predeceased by her husband, Clifford E. Merriam of North Oxford. She is survived by three children, Donna M. Saul and her husband David of North Oxford, Lawrence H. Merriam of Webster, and Jeffrey H. Merriam and his wife Kim of Oxford; two sisters, Theresa Braney of North Oxford and Ann Hansen of Oxford; four grandchildren, Alyssa and David Roy, Zachary and Eric Merriam, all of Oxford; and many nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by two sisters, Margaret "Peggy" Kasputis and Grace Kasputis; and a brother, John Stafford. She was born in Worcester, the daughter of the late Harry N. and Georgianna V. (King) Stafford, and lived most of her life in Auburn and Oxford. She graduated from Auburn High School in 1942. Mrs. Merriam was a payroll clerk at Norton Company in Worcester, retiring many years ago. Previously she worked at Rexnord in Auburn for many years. She was a former member of St. Ann's Church in North Oxford. A funeral will be held on Friday, May 28, 2010, from Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, followed by a Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Ann's Church, 652 Main St., North Oxford. Burial will follow at Gore Cemetery in North Oxford. Calling hours are Thursday, May 27, 2010, from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Flowers may be sent or memorial contributions may be made to St. Ann's Church, P.O. Box 488, North Oxford, MA 01537.