Merrilyn Bushnell Obituary (2009)

AUGUSTA - Merrilyn Rae (Smith) Bushnell of Augusta passed away July 6, 2009, after a brief illness. She was born in Portland on Sept. 9, 1918, the only child of Clarice Merriman, a concert pianist, and Alfred Smith, also a professional musician. She spent most of her childhood growing up in Readfield. She played piano and taught tap dancing and gymnastics in Augusta as a young woman, making a good income for the day. During World War II, she worked in an aircraft factory to fill the vacancies left by men serving in the armed forces. In the mid 1960s, she taught physical education at the Catholic Boy's and Girl's School of Jaffrey, N.H. She also taught co-ordination movement and physical education at the Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center in Greenfield, N.H. In the late '60s, she worked for the E-Pac Division of Honeywell in Peterborough, N.H. At that time, she was making wiring harnesses for computers, instead of for aircraft controls. She contributed several small inventions for E-Pac while employed by Honeywell. In 1969, Merrilyn returned to Augusta to assist her aging mother. She volunteered her time to play piano for the recreation department at Gray Birch Rehabilitation and Nursing Home, where she entertained the residents and assisted in movement therapy. She also played piano on Sundays for the Spiritualist Church and was elected president of the church for a time. She lived in Augusta until her passing on July 6. Merrilyn will be remembered for her warm welcome by everyone who came to her house, some on a daily basis, to talk about their problems, religion or just drink coffee and chat. Her oil paintings hang with paintings and charcoal drawings done by relatives long gone, but her laughter and piano playing still rings in our ears. Merrilyn was predeceased by her granddaughter, Patricia Rae Young in 1986, and her husband, Maj. Robert Bushnell, March 11, 2009. She is survived by her sons, Douglass L. Rollins and his wife, Debra, of East Livermore, Russell E. Young Jr. and his wife, Elisabeth, of Chelsea, and David L. Young of Augusta. She has 11 grandchildren, Laura (Rollins) Gross, Jamie Cunningham, Rubin Skidgell, Russell D. Rollins, Katherine Rae Rollins, Stephanie (Young) Audet, Bethany (Young) Boyle, Christie E. Young, David D. Young, Caleb R. Young and Morgan D. Young; and 13 great-grandchildren. A graveside service and interment will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 26, at Readfield Corner Cemetery, Church Road, Readfield. Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.khrfuneralhomes.com