Marie E. Small (Merrikin) passed from this life to eternal life in the early morning hours of December 31, 2024, from complications of Pulmonary Fibrosis, with loved ones by her side. Marie was born in Brockton to the late Alice E. Merrikin (Homer) and Fred C. Merrikin and grew up in Randolph, MA. During her childhood, Marie and her cousins, Pam White (Evangelista), Nancy & the late Carol Leighton, enjoyed a life-long friendship. They lived next door to each other in what has been dubbed the “Merrikin Compound.” Marie was privileged to be able to learn from and spend quality time with her grandparents Elizabeth and George Merrikin and Ralph and Melvina Homer. Marie’s father, Fred, built the home that she and her brother Richard grew up in next door to her grandparent’s home, which was built by her grandfather and her father. Marie graduated from Archbishop Williams High School in Braintree, MA. Marie married John S. Small (Veteran) in 1963. Marie and John began their marriage living in Massachusetts, relocated to New York and later returned to Massachusetts. They raised two children, Richard Small and Katy Gruenwald (Small).

In later life Marie attended Bridgewater State (College) University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Marie was the second generation to attend Bridgewater. Marie worked and served God as a Stay-At-Home Mom, then worked as a kindergarten teacher at Trinity School of Cape Cod (now Trinity Christian Academy), a private Christian School. Marie was active in the Cape Community coordinating Bible Studies at the local nursing home in Dennis and hosting several exchange students from Spain for a period.

Marie and John were members of the Westtown Presbyterian Church (NY) and the East Dennis Community Church (MA) where they served in many capacities. Later in life Marie was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Cape Cod. Marie was an avid quilter and a member of the Bayberry Quilters of Cape Cod. Marie was also a core group member of the Crossroads Youth Ministry on the Cape and hosted regular activities for the youth of the participating churches on the Cape.

Marie was a loving supportive wife, mother, friend, and mother-in Law. While a college student she often mentored the other students in her classes. Marie loved working at Trinity and teaching her “kids” in her kindergarten class which gave her immense joy and a sense of fulfillment of God’s purpose in her life. As a friend Marie was caring and prayerfully invested. Marie and John were very much a part of their grandchildren’s lives from the beginning and supportive of their adult children. Marie used her teaching and crafting skills to elevate her grandchildren’s lives. Marie enjoyed spending time with her family and celebrating milestones.

Marie’s life is remembered and celebrated by her husband of 62 years, John, her daughter Katy, her son Richard, her daughters-in-law Mary Ann Small and Christy Gruenwald, her grandchildren Grace E. Small and Emily R. Small. Marie’s life is also celebrated by her brother, Richard Merrikin, and his wife Mary, Marie’s nephews Dan Merrikin and his wife Cindy, Brian Merrikin and his wife Brenda, and Kevin Merrikin and his wife Jessica. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to all Marie and John’s friends & family over the years who have been and continue to be loving and supportive. Marie’s family also extends their deepest gratitude to Broad Reach Hospice, Pleasant Lake Medical, Whole Health Pharmacy, and Senior Pastor Ron Sears of Harbor Church of Hyannis.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2024, from 10:00am to 11:00am at Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave, South Yarmouth, MA. A celebration of Marie’s life will immediately follow at 11:00am in the funeral home. Interment will be private.

Our prayers and thoughts go out to the Small Family. We are sorry to hear of your loss.

To: John Small and Family......I am saddened by Marie's passing and reflect on her being a person with a quick smile and happy attitude. A beautiful person in every sense. She will be missed by all! My prayers are with you1

We will miss our dear friend, Marie. Our friendship began when our children were small and continued til they were adults with kids of their own! Marie always had a smile and gave wonderful advice.A true and trusted friend who will never be forgotten! Safe journey, Marie to your well deserved reward!

We enjoyed a wonderful life, can’t ask for more than that!