A funeral service for 87-year old Mrs. Hilda Lorena Merrill will be held Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Seymour Funeral Home in Potsdam with Pastor Lee Sweeney officiating. A spring burial will be in the Mound Hill Cemetery in Colton. Friends may call at the Seymour Funeral Home in Potsdam on Tuesday afternoon and evening from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

If friends desire memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Hospice and Palliative Care, 6805 U. S. 11, Potsdam, NY 13676, or to the Knapps Station Community Church Building Fund, P. O. Box 54, Norwood, NY 13668. Mrs. Merrill died at her home in Stockholm, NY on December 25, 2010.

Survivors include two sons, Roger P. Merrill of Mexico, NY, and Walter E. and his wife Rosemary Merrill of Potsdam; two daughters, Ms. Sylvia LaLone of Colton, and Mrs. Leon (Joan M.) Richard of Burnt Hills; 14 grandchildren, 14 great-grand children, three great step-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild; and her companion, Harold LaMay of Stockholm.

Hilda was predeceased by her late husband, Paul L. Merrill; a son, James L. Merrill; and two brothers, Walter and Kenneth Martin.

Hilda was born in the Town of Hopkinton on May 15, 1923 the daughter of Edson T. and Flora (Matthie) Martin. She graduated from Potsdam High School in 1942 and married Paul L. Merrill on June 26, 1942 in Potsdam. Paul died February 12, 1995.

Hilda was employed for 18 years as a nutritionist aid through Cornell Co-operative Extension’s Canton office. Later she was a cook for the Zeta Nu Fraternity in Potsdam for 11 years.

Hilda served as a 4-H leader for 29 years, as well as serving on the Board of Directors of the Potsdam Neighborhood Center for 41 years. She was a 40-year member of Vega Chapter Order Eastern Star in Parishville, and a long time member of "Try & Square" and "U-wanna Squares" square dance clubs.

Arrangements are with Seymour Funeral Home in Potsdam.