Marguerite L. (Merrick) Geis

WARREN – Marguerite (Merrick) Geis died on March 25, 2017 at her home.  She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 61 years, James E. Geis who passed away in March 2011.  She is survived by her loving family, Mary Elizabeth Geis of Seabrook, New Hampshire, Ellen Geis Mulherin and her husband Brian, her son, John Geis, of Warren, and Penelope Geis Dessingue and her husband John of Troy, New York.  She also leaves her brother, John Merrick and his wife Ann of Senoia, Georgia, two nieces, Kelley Matthews and Dorcas Morris, a nephew, Jonathan Merrick, all of Georgia, and several cousins.  She was born in Johnson City, New York, on February 28, 1930, the daughter of the late Irving J. and Geraldine (Cummings) Merrick. 

Marguerite graduated from Demarest High School, in Hobeken, NJ, from Cochran School of Nursing, St. John’s Hospital, Yonkers, NY, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from New Paltz College, State University of New York.  She worked for the Ulster County Health Department as a public health nurse for twenty years.  In 1985, she received certification in Public Health nursing.

Always interested in American history, she served as president of the Quaboag Historical Society for five years, from 1996 to 2001, and as secretary from 2001 to 2006.  During that time, she obtained state grants for West Brookfield signs noting the birth place of Lucy Stone and other historical sites.  She wrote and produced two programs of historical interest.  One was based on Andrea Moore Kerr’s biography of Lucy Stone, and the other, a one act play depicting the Indian attack on the early Brookfield settlement, portraying Susannah Ayers’ strength and courage, as the town’s inhabitants held the fortified house until help and an August thunderstorm arrived to save them. 

She was a 50 year member of the NSDAR, most recently belonging to the General Ebenezer Learned Chapter, Oxford, MA. She was also a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Ware. 

At her request, a graveside service for Marguerite will be held later in the fall, and there are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Maternity Services, Catholic Charities, 27 North Main Ave., Albany, NY 12203, or to The Quaboag Historical Society, P.O. Box 635, West Brookfield, MA 01585-0635.

Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 East Main St., West Brookfield is assisting her family with arrangements. 

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