Elizabeth Merritt

Elizabeth Merritt, 94, of Taos , joined the angels on Friday, February 15, 2008 . She was the daughter of Allen and Matilda Forbes MacCullen and was born in Washington , DC . She graduated from Harvard Teachers College in Washington , DC and taught elementary school there before she married the love of her life Thomas Merritt. Their life took them from the east coast to California , and they traveled extensively in Europe , Britain , Hawaii and they lived in Surrey , England for several years. Elizabeth moved to Taos in 1993 to be near her daughter and lived at Plaza de Retiro. She was a devoted member of St. James Episcopal Church; a life member of P.E.O. in California and Taos ; and an Associate member of Holy Cross Hospital Auxiliary. She was a gifted artist who loved painting cats, dogs, people, and landscapes. She loved to knit and embroider and cook. Her love of nature and deep appreciation of the New Mexico landscape brought her great joy. She was a very st ron g believer in the power of prayer and kept everyone she cared for in her daily devotions. She loved all her family and friends unconditionally, without reservation. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to read and work crossword puzzles. She often expressed her gratitude at living such a long and happy life, and she appreciated all those who cared for her both medically and spiritually. She was predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband Thomas, her sister Alice Couchman and her brother Allen MacCullen, Jr. She leaves her daughter Mary Alice Dickenson and son-in-law Bill of Angel Fire and her niece Anna Phillips (John), and two nephews, Mark (Ruth) and John (Becky) MacCullen, her first cousin Will iam Forbes (Shirley), a step granddaughter Jennifer Renison Fisher (David) and great grandson Jacob Fisher, and a step grandson Will iam Dickenson. A Celebration of her Life will be held at St. James Episcopal Church in Taos on Friday February 22 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations being sent to St. James Episcopal Church (5794 NDCBU, Taos , NM 87571 ) or Stray Hearts Animal Shelter ( PO Box 622 , Taos , NM 87571 ).