Marilyn Storm – January 11, 1945 – March 11, 2015

Marilyn Storm, a resident of Connecticut for over 60 years, passed away unexpectedly in her Bethel home on Wednesday, March 11, 2015. Born on January 11, 1945 in Abilene, Texas, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Mary (Fenn) Merritt. She was 70 years of age. Marilyn 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. She is survived by her children Richard Edward Storm of John’s Creek, Georgia, James Scott Storm of Wesley Chapel, Florida, MaryKate Storm of Newtown, Connecticut and Michael Jonathan Storm of Portland, Maine. Marilyn was 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. Marilyn’s grandchildren in birth order by name are; Ashley Lynn Storm, Joseph Philip Richardson, James Scott Storm Jr., Richard Tyler Storm, Katelyn Richardson Storm, Maxwell Thomas Storm and Brandon Lee Storm. Marilyn is also survived by a sister, Linda Cortello and a brother Walter Jonathan Merritt and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews. Marilyn 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, Massachusetts where she developed a passion for animals. Marilyn 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. Marilyn and Dave attended many of their grandchildren’s sporting events over the years and were known as “Mema & Papa” to many of their grandchildren’s teammates. They had traveled to Massachusetts’s just days before Marilyn’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. Marilyn was also an incredible homemaker and baker. She could set a table better than Martha Stewart (paper plates & napkins were never allowed at Marilyn’s table)! We will really miss the way she decorated for the holidays and made every occasion so special. Marilyn also loved to read and would often read a whole book in just 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, Marilyn had suffered ongoing medical issues for over twenty 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, Bethel Health Care as well as the Bethel Police & Fire Department. Special thanks to three people who assisted her main caregiver, David Bartram, over the years on her toughest days, they are; Laurie Martin, her best friend, Meghan Lynn Coughlin, her honorary niece, and Katelyn Richardson Storm, her granddaughter.

View Full Notice → Marilyn Storm – January 11, 1945 – March 11, 2015