Barbara Ann Merrick

Barbara was born in Scott Field, Illinois in 1927, and was able to travel the world as an "Army brat." She lived in St. Augustine, Florida in her early 20’s at St. Joseph’s Convent, where she worked as a teacher and began her nursing education. She later earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and worked in pediatrics at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, where she decided that she wanted children of her own. Barbara met and married Howard in 1954. They went on to have 6 children, 5 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. She worked as a nurse and mother while Dad went through medical school. Barbara found her calling as a psychiatric nurse and worked with Howard in his practice for over 40 years.

Barbara also became one of the top Maltese dog breeders in the country and won Best of Breed at the Westminster Dog Show with David Fitzpatrick. Mom lived a life of service and gratitude, and made each of us feel special and loved. She had an impeccable sense of style and loved shopping. Her heart was most full when spending time with family, animals, gardening, knitting, and reading – sometimes several books at once. Our family made beautiful memories gathered together in Maine, North Carolina beaches, Florida, and even a cross country train trip to celebrate her 90th birthday.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Howard, of 62 years at his passing, and her parents, Col. H.H. Fisher and Ida T. Fisher.

She is survived by her brothers, John and Harrison Fisher; her children, Arthur (Nancy) Merrick, Virginia (James) Trudeau, Stephen Merrick, Adam Merrick, Thomas (Traci Anderson) Merrick and Evie (Darryl) Robinson; her grandchildren, Christopher (Hillorie Leaman) Merrick, Emily (Wesley) Nielson, Anna (Ryan) Prentiss, Elizabeth (Michael) May, and Chad Robinson; and her great grandchildren, Mojave, Aisla and Anastasia Nielson, Simon and George Merrick, and Raelyn and Wyatt Prentiss.

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