Obituary of Merrill Ann Clukey

Dover-Foxcroft –Merrill Ann Clukey, 80, passed away after a long illness on January 24, 2018 at the Hibbards Skilled Nursing Center. The daughter of George W. and S. Melba (Merrill) Warren, Merrill Ann was born on March 24, 1937, in Dover-Foxcroft. 

   Merrill grew up in Dover-Foxcroft, graduating from Foxcroft Academy in 1955. She received her B.S. from the University of Maine Orono in 1959, where she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority, and the honor societies Omicron Nu and Phi Kappa Phi. There she met her future husband, Paul Eugene Clukey, of Dexter, Maine. They married on August 22, 1959, and together had two children, Wendy and Brent.

   Employed for many years by H&R Block, first in Lewiston as a tax preparer, then as assistant manager in Portland, Merrill then purchased an H&R Block franchise in Bangor, where her business acumen helped it to grow into the most successful franchise in Northern New England.

   Merrill enjoyed spending summers at the family camp on Sebec Lake, as well as canoeing, camping, cross-country skiing and hiking with family and friends. A skilled needle worker, she liked sewing, knitting, and counted cross-stitch. She greatly enjoyed church and was a long-time member of the Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church, where she played in the handbell choir. Active in the church’s Women’s Fellowship, she served on several committees and as its treasurer. A strong supporter of the arts, Merrill loved to attend concerts and shows. She was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox, the Maine Black Bears, and the New England Patriots.

    Merrill was predeceased by her beloved husband Paul in 1993. Some years later, she met Michelangelo “Mick” De Ieso, who became her devoted partner, unfailingly supporting her throughout her illness. Her family is forever grateful to Mick, who always made Merrill smile.

   Merrill is survived by her daughter, Wendy Scarce (James Richard) of Averill Park, N.Y.; her son, Brent Clukey (Diana) of Austin, TX; her grandsons, Brian Kobernuss and Paul and Robert Clukey; her granddaughter, Olivia Bonesteel; her sister, Julie Hey of Wichita, KS; her sister-in-law, Susan (Clukey) Haggerty of Winterport, ME; seven nieces and nephews; and her partner, Michelangelo De Ieso of Dover-Foxcroft, ME. Merrill also leaves behind many friends, particularly her beloved friends Rachel McNaughton of Leeds, ME, and Georganne Dow of Dexter, ME. A loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, all who knew Merrill will miss her sweet nature and gentle upbeat personality.

   Friends and relatives are welcome to attend a celebration of Merrill’s life to be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 3, 2018 at the Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church on West Main Street, with the Rev. Stephen Hastings officiating. An informal reception at the church will follow the service. In lieu of flowers those who wish may make a charitable donation in Merrill’s memory to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at www.lbda.org/donate.

Memories and condolences to the family may be shared at www.laryfuneralhome.com.