Merry L. Pantages

Merry Pantages 80, of West Hartford and Windsor, passed away peacefully and was reunited with her husband Bill Delude, the love of her life, on Thursday September 25, 2025. Born in Hartford, Merry was the daughter of the late William and Isabelle (Tenore) Pantages. She was a retiree of the State of Connecticut Department of Social Services, where she proudly taught as a teacher’s aide in the field of special education. This grew into a life dedicated to serving others. Merry will be remembered for unlimited devotion to her handicapped and disabled students, caring and nurturing for them as if they were her own family. Merry was also her aging parents’ main caregiver for many years before both were placed in nursing homes. Fighting against the inevitable, she kept her parents at their home for as long as possible. Her sensitivity for her parents’ wishes and feelings is a tribute to Merry's legacy. Merry, for many years, volunteered with the American Red Cross, where she instructed CPR classes and taught sign language. Compassionate and caring to all, Merry was especially fond of her many beloved cats: Ebony, Sasha, Callie, and Tinkerbell to name a few. Merry was always a very social and outgoing person who loved music and dancing. Throughout her life, she loved summertime at the beach, always getting a remarkable tan at Misquamicut's Andrea Hotel. In Merry's later years, with her husband Bill, who was also her best friend, she cherished their trips back to Misquamicut, where they had previous memories and made precious new ones. Merry loved attending concerts and music festivals throughout the state with her husband and her cousin Camie. Merry was always ahead of the time she lived in. Her independent spirit guided her to live her life in accordance with her convictions. She'll be missed.

Mourning her passing are her sister, Penny Pantages of Carrollton Texas; her brother, William Pantages of West Hartford, along with many cousins and cherished friends. In addition to her husband and parents, Merry was also predeceased by her sibling, Andrea Pantages Hodge of Roseburg, Oregon.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Merry’s life will be on Friday, October 10 at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Holy Spirit of Annunciation Parish, 183 Church Street, Newington. Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church. Burial with her beloved Bill will follow in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Merry’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter, 10 Executive Drive, Suite 202, Farmington, CT 06032.