Obituary of Valjean Merrill

VALJEAN MERRILL (“Val” or “Nina”) “Sail on silver girl, sail on by. Your time has come to shine, all your dreams are on their way”…….(Bridge Over Troubled Waters by Simon and Garfunkel) BIRTH--- Born September 21st 1954 in Ogden, Utah to Clinton and Bernice Merrill DEATH---July 1st 2008 at St Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington SERVICES---Memorial service to be held Thursday July 10th at 3 PM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Nisqually Hills Chapel at 9341 4th Ave NE, Olympia WA 98503 VALJEAN passed peacefully home to her Heavenly father after a short illness due to the complications of Diabetes. She was surrounded by her loving family and friends who shared their love, memories, tears and laughter with her to help guide her gently home. She was lovingly serenaded to her heavenly home by the beautiful singing of family and friends who stopped by to say their goodbyes. Music was Valjean’s love and her life. She was blessed with the most beautiful voice and shared this gift with the community at numerous musical programs including, but not limited to, The Sound of Music, where she played the Mother Superior and sang “Climb every Mountain". This remained one of her favorite songs. She also played the role of the Mother in “Amahl and the Night Visitor. Valjean recognized in herself, this gift of music and attended the California Institute of the Arts where she earned a Masters degree in Vocal Performance and participated in numerous Operas and musicals in California. The other loves in Valjeans life include her parents: Clinton and Bernice Merrill, her sisters: Dorothy Frandsen, (her “might as well have been a sister” Liz Watson) Jan Merrill Boykin, Judy Merrill Devoe, Lori Merrill Boyd and Lonita Merrill. Nieces: Erin Dawson, Alyssa Devoe, Karli Devoe Andreve, Crystal Bracey, Kelley Devoe and Nicole Frandsen. Her Nephews: Frank Bracey, Ben Devoe, Jesse Boyd, Evan Boyd, Clinton Ewert, Jordan Ewert, Brent Ewert, Christopher Frandsen and Matthew Frandsen. She is also survived by a multitude of great nieces and nephews whom she showered her love on and never forgot to remember on their special days. Valjean did not have children of her own, but the above mentioned Nieces and Nephews profited greatly from the abundant love she shared with them. Valjean also leaves behind her beloved “Wee Babbies” her beautiful cats Abu and Raven. Please join us in remembering Valjean at her Mermorial Service or by leaving your memories on this web site by clicking on "View Guest Book" below. Please share all memories, both loving and funny, as we would like to share some of them at her memorial service.