Marilyn Storm, 70, a resident of Connecticut for more than 60 years, died unexpectedly in her Bethel home March 11. Born January 11, 1945, in Abilene, Texas, she was the daughter of the late Mary (Fenn) and Harry Merritt.

Ms Storm lived a life surrounded by close friends and family. She was adored and cared for by her soul mate and best friend of 36 years, David Bartram. She loved her children and grandchildren dearly. Her children MaryKate Storm of Newtown, Richard Edward Storm of John’s Creek, Ga., James Scott Storm of Wesley Chapel, Fla., and Michael Jonathan Storm of Portland, Maine, survive her.

She is remembered as both a wonderful mother and grandmother, and was called “Mema” by her grandchildren and their friends, a name given to her by her eldest granddaughter, Ashley Lynn Storm. She lived for her grandchildren, and especially enjoyed talking to them on the phone each day about their day, holidays, and upcoming vacations with them and Dave. Her grandchildren Ashley Lynn Storm, Joseph Philip Richardson, James Scott Storm, Jr, Richard Tyler Storm, Katelyn Richardson Storm, Maxwell Thomas Storm, and Brandon Lee Storm; a sister, Linda Cortello; a brother, Walter Jonathan Merritt; and many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews also survive Ms Storm.

She was born in Texas, so it is not surprising she loved watching Western movies and was an equestrian in her earlier years. She was a competitive tennis player in her younger days and made many friends playing both golf and tennis at the Redding Country Club. In her recent years, she slowed down and spent time gardening and admiring her beautiful yard and flower gardens.

As a young girl, she spent a lot of time on the family farm in Great Barrington, Mass., where she developed a passion for animals. Ms Storm would have had her own ark, if she had the room in her yard. She also loved to travel — anywhere. She spent her summers raising her children on Sebec Lake in Maine and on the beaches of Cape Cod. She and Dave took their children and grandchildren on many exciting vacations all over the East Coast. They attended many of their grandchildren’s sporting events over the years and were known as “Mema and Papa” to many of their grandchildren’s teammates. They had traveled to Massachusetts just days before Ms Storm’s passing, to see their grandson Maxwell compete in the New England Wresting Finals. She was thrilled to have been able to see Maxwell complete in his last high school wrestling match.

Her family recalls her as an incredible homemaker and baker. She could set a table better than Martha Stewart; paper plates and napkins were never allowed at her table. Her family will miss the way she decorated for the holidays and made every occasion so special.

Ms Storm also loved to read and would often read a whole book in one day. She loved reading the Bible and attending the Ladies Bible Study Group at the Bethel Methodist Church with her best friend, Laurie Martin.

Although her death was rather unexpected, she had suffered ongoing medical issues for more than 20 years. She was a tough Irish girl with a strong will to live and a hilarious personality. The family would like to thank all of the doctors who cared for her over the years, including the staff at St Vincent’s Hospital, Danbury Hospital, and Bethel Health Care, as well as the Bethel Police and Fire Departments. Special thanks to those who assisted her main caregiver, Mr Bartram, over the years, on her toughest days.

The family will celebrate her life at a private family-only memorial service. No calling hours are scheduled.

Memorial donations can be made to one of the following local charities/organizations: The Bethel Public Library, The Bethel Police or Fire Departments, or The Bethel VNA.

To light a candle of hope and remembrance visit www.cornellmemorial.com.