Beryl (Semple) Merrill, age 81, of Southbury, passed away peacefully under the care of Hartford Hospice at the Lutheran Home of Southbury, on June 22, 2021.

Beryl was born on March 29, 1940, in Manchester, Conn., daughter of the late John and Florance (Friedrich) Semple.

Beryl leaves behind her loving husband of 35 years, David K. Merrill, Sr; son, Scott (Lillian) Monaghan of Sandy Hook; daughter, Kathleen Patton of Middlebury; and cherished grandchildren, Samantha Simmons, Tyler Simmons, Hunter Simmons, and Jake Monaghan. She also leaves her stepsons, David K. (Sandy) Merrill, Jr, of Waterbury, Dean Merrill of Maine, and Gary Merrill of Southbury; stepdaughter, Cynthia (Daniel) McPhee of Torrington; step-grandchildren, Shannon (Henry) Fristik, Rebecca McPhee, Ashley Merrill, Melissa McPhee, and Colleen McPhee; and step-great-granddaughters, Pepper Fristik and Lydia Lucas.

Beryl was raised in Rockville, Conn., and graduated from Rockville High School in the class of 1958. She was employed at the Aetna Insurance Company in Hartford. In 1976, Beryl began her career working for the town of Newtown, rising to assistant tax collector of Newtown and retiring in 2004. This opportunity afforded Beryl the ability to raise her children in Sandy Hook.

Beryl met artist David K. Merrill, her future husband and the love of her life, in 1984, when David was painting the 400-square-foot “Scenes of Newtown” mural on the walls of the Edmond Town Hall stairwell. Beryl and David fell in love and were married on Castle Hill, overlooking the center of Newtown, on September 7, 1985. In 2003, they moved to their sanctuary home in Southbury, surrounded by woodlands, birds, deer, turkeys, fox, and bear.

An outgoing, happy person, Beryl was easy to come to know and like. She got along well with a variety of people and made friends quickly. Beryl delighted in spending time with family, friends, and her church family. Beryl had a great appreciation for many genres of music. She loved singing soprano in the church choir at the United Church of Christ, Southbury. Beryl also enjoyed many cruises with her husband, David; being at the cottage at the lake in Livermore, Maine; and her many cats and dogs, especially her doggie Cooper.

A private wake was held at the Farmhouse Restaurant in Newtown on July 3. Burial was private.

All are welcome to attend a memorial service for Beryl on Saturday, September 11, at 11 am, at the United Church of Christ, 283 Main Street North, Southbury CT 06488. All COVID-19 safety rules will be in effect for all attendees.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Beryl Merrill’s memory to the Southbury Food Bank, PO Box 68, Southbury CT 06488.