It’s at 3 p.m. at Allen and Dahl Funeral Chapel in Palo Cedro. The beauty of a blog is the ability to publish information like this to get the word out.
My friend Janel Longnecker was Merrily’s friend. They knew each other as fellow teachers and softball team members.
Janel is concerned because Merrily’s obituary didn’t appear in the newspaper in time to notify people about tomorrow’s funeral. She was certain many people would attend Merrily’s funeral – if only they knew.
Merrily and I never met, but from Janel’s description, you and I would have liked her.
Janel said Merrily was a high-energy dynamo, an on-the-move, intense, athletic woman, a lover of life, a wonderful weife and mother, and a teacher who made a difference in her Praire Elementary School students’ lives.
Janel recalled a rare and special trait in Merrily, who died of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) at 59.
“Merrily was an incredible listener,” Janel said. “She asked lots of questions, and had a way of drawing people out. She was people-oriented, so very loving and caring.
Merrily leaves behind many friends and family, including her husband Mike Amadore, her sons Tyler and Nolan Spencer, her stepchildren Paul, Ann and Mike Amadore, her mother, Charlotte Lissolo, brother Steve Lissolo and sister Sharon Loendorf.
Merrily would have turned 60 next week. Her life was cut cruely short, but she’s remembered as incredible, irreplacable human being.
She will be missed, but not forgotten. Her funeral this afternoon will honor her memory.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Forbes/Norris ALS Clinic in San Francisco.
