Eileen Merriman

Eileen Merriman, 95, died April 15, 2015 at Rosary Care Center in Sylvania, Ohio. She was born in Shanahill East, County Kerry, Ireland on August 22, 1919 to Michael and Johanna (O’Brien) Foley. Eileen, a lifelong Catholic, was deeply committed to her faith and had great love for others. She often said that “Jesus is my best friend.” Eileen was preceded in death by her beloved husband Donald Merriman, son Michael O’Shea, and 10 siblings. She is survived by her devoted children, Sylvania Franciscan Sister Brigid O’Shea Merriman, John (Linda) Merriman, Donna Maria Tieppo, Angela (Michael) Plamondon; sister, Hannah Foley; 10 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

After completing her education in Ireland, Eileen moved to London in the 1930s. There she married her first husband Christopher O’Shea and bore her first two children. Eileen supported the war effort in several ways and provided for herself and her children by working as a cashier and financial manager of a London dry goods store.

After World War II, she and her daughter moved to the United States, where Eileen married her beloved Don Merriman. She spent her life as loving mother and spouse, living in Michigan and then in Florida. She was very active in several parishes as a member of the Altar Society, lector and communion minister. She was godmother to many children; taught religious education for over 40 years, beginning as a teenager in Ireland and then again in the U.S. She also promoted devotion to the Sacred Heart and to Mary, the Mother of God, wherever she went.

Her funeral was held April 21 in Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio. The Catholic Rite of Committal will be conducted at Eileen’s gravesite on Monday, April 27, 2015 at 11:00 AM at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida, where she will be buried next to her husband, Don.

Arrangements entrusted to

Fero Funeral Home

www.ferofuneralhome.com