Carlene Ann Merrill Obituary (1943 - 2021)

Carlene Merrill, a resident of Westford, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 6, 2021, at Emerson Hospital. She was born in Nashua, NH on June 7, 1943. Carlene was the beloved wife of Norman Benson for over 32 years. They shared their love of family, friends and an appreciation for nature and outdoor activities including a passion for late-night moon canoe rides. Carlene transformed a two-bedroom cabin in Minnesota, located 1 mile from where Norman was born, into a four-bedroom house they would enjoy with friends and family every summer for years! Carlenes greatest pride was her two boys, Jeff and Bruce, who she raised as a single mom for many years. Her grit and determination, accompanied by her positive outlook, allowed her to work, go to school at night, and develop long successful careers with both Digital Equipment Corporation and Charter Oak Consulting, all while paying close attention to the needs and shenanigans of her two boys. Carlene, aka Nanny, was happiest when she was spending time with her grandchildren. Every Wednesday, for ten years, she would take the train to Boston to take care of one set of granddaughters while their parents worked. Together they baked, sang, crafted, and played imaginary games. Any whining was met with Ill give you something to cry about with a Nanny chuckle to follow. There were also frequent trips to visit the Maine Johnstons where she would explore nature and bake with her granddaughters. She loved to share stories about her step-grandsons, and always kept abreast of their lives and activities. Carlenes other passions included gardening, cooking, and playing the ukulele with the uke-ladies. She was a pillar of the First Parish Unitarian Church, serving in many roles, including Chair of the Standing Committee, Advisor to the High School Youth, and a small group leader. Most importantly, she was a confidant and source of support to many of the parishioners whom she regarded as friends. She fought a 41-year battle with cancer with positivity and determination. She was a model for self-advocacy, which led to her cutting edge cancer treatments while also developing a network of world-class doctors (which covered every ologist, as she would tell). One story, which she shared during a chalice lighting at the church, was a conversation she had with her oncologist on the anniversary of their 20 years together who said to her, Well, Carlene, youve outlived your prognosis by 19 years and 6 months after she was told by another oncologist you have about 6 months to live. Carlene shared her belief that she was given the gift of time and all of the reasons to live life well and that she did. She leaves behind her sons, Jeff Johnston and his wife, Hilary and Bruce Johnston, and his wife Kimberly and four stepchildren, Ryn R. Benson, Kristen Scott, Jennifer Kelly, and Derek Benson. Nannys greatest joy was her grandchildren, Cali, Anna, Reid, and Maisy and step grandchildren, John, Christopher, Jamie, Justin, Logan and Ryn S. Carlenes love, strength, humor, guidance and, bossiness will be sadly missed by all. A virtual memorial church service will be held on September 18th at 11am. Please access the service at the First Parish Church of Chelmsford website with this link www.uuchelmsford.org/worship-service, where there will be a direct broadcast feed. Her family wishes that donations be made in memoriam to the First Parish Church of Chelmsford, 2 Westford Street, Chelmsford, MA 01824 or The Pan Mass Challenge at Pan-Mass Challenge to support the fight against cancer. A virtual memorial church service will be held on September 18th at 11am. Please access the service at the First Parish Church of Chelmsford website with this link www.uuchelmsford.org/worship-service.