Dear WellSpringers,
We are so sad to share the news that WellSprings member Robert Merritt passed away on Wednesday evening. Robert was unexpectedly hospitalized on January 3rd, and many of his WellSprings friends were in touch to send messages of care and support, both during and after his stay. Robert was able to return home to spend his final days surrounded and held in love by his beloved wife, Maria, his sister Joan, his three adult sons, and their families.
Robert first joined our community in 2016, on the recommendation of his dear friends Pete & Kathleen Higgins, Lois Lutz, and Myrle Bowe. You may remember that he spoke to us all just a few months ago, during our Wild & Precious Life service. It would be hard to overstate how grateful Robert was for this community - and in particular, how much he loved our band. In his final days, Robert asked specifically that we pass along “my deepest regards and love to the congregation,” and his hope that he would one day “meet us on the other side.”
Information on memorial services for Robert will be shared with the congregation at a later date, but his family welcomes your cards, condolences, and other signs of compassion and care. These can be mailed to The Merritt Family at 2631 Boxwood Dr. Wilmington, DE 19810, or sent to Robert’s e-mail address at [email protected].
Remarkably, and according to his wishes, Robert’s brain will be donated to science to further our understanding of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and will be used in research to help both current and future patients living with MS. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made to the National MS Society in Robert’s honor.
I'm holding you all in my heart, as you receive this sad news today. We will take a brief moment in our service this weekend as well, to name Robert's loss and light our chalice in his memory. Please be well and safe, in the days and weeks ahead.
