Dorothy Ann Merrill

Dorothy Ann Merrill, 96, of Alpena, Michigan was called to her eternal rest on Tuesday, January 18, 2022.

Dorothy Ann Wojtczak was born on January 12, 1926, to the late Joseph and Mary (Dziesinski) Wojtczak. She married on October 10, 1953, her beloved husband Phillip Paul Merrill who preceded her in death May 30, 2003. Dorothy was blessed with a peaceful death in her beloved home of 69 years, surrounded by her six adoring children, loving and faithful sister and niece.

She is survived by children Mary Ann (Rick) LaRouche, Cindy (Paul) Dickinson, Joseph Merrill, Barbara (John) Gilmet, Paul (Kristine Irwin) Merrill, Bob Merrill, eleven grandchildren, Elizabeth LaRouche, Stephanie LaRouche, Angela (Cory) Rickett, Jacqueline (Alex) Campau, Thomas Dickinson, Curtis (Jess Ludlow) Merrill, Daniel (Emily) Merrill, Pamela (Ryan Kieffer) Merrill, Austin (Julie) Gilmet, Scott (Margaret) Gilmet, Anna (Erik Lewis) Gilmet, and five great-grandchildren, Alexander, Benjamin, Davis, Louise, and Arlington. Also survived by her beloved sister Ruth Pauley, loving niece Mary Jo (Phil) Milostan, and loving nephew Roger Pauley.

Dorothy was a lifetime faithful parishioner of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish (All Saints Parish of Alpena) and was a member of St. Mary's Rosary Society. Dorothy faithfully prayed the rosary every day of her life from the day she learned how.

Dorothy had many joys in her life, the primary being her family, an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Pistons. She found great enjoyment in crocheting and knitting. Many people have evidence of this passion in the form of afghans, every stitch made with love. She loved playing cards, still playing up until just days before her passing. From the very beginning of WATZ's long running Sundays in Poland, every episode never failed to fill Dorothy and her kitchen with joy.

Dorothy was greatly loved and will be greatly missed by many.

Mrs. Merrill was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Jack Pauley and nephew, Ronald Pauley.

Visitation will take place Friday at Bannan Funeral Home from 2-8 p.m. with the rosary at 3 p.m. and a parish prayer service at 7 p.m. and continue Saturday with the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Church of All Saints Parish at 11 a.m. with Rev. Tyler Bischoff officiating. Streaming will be available at www.bannanfuneralhome.com.

Interment: Holy Cross Cemetery

Memorials: St. Jude Children’s Hospital