Obituary of Judith Merola

Judith (Lord) Merola, 77, of 125 Gerrish Ave, East Haven passed peacefully at CT Hospice on December 11, 2016. She was born in New Haven July 7, 1939 daughter of the late Lester Sr. and Ethelyne (Shumway) Lord. Judith is survived by three loving children, Debra Merola-Martinez (Rudy) of Texas, Neil Merola Jr (Gina) of East Haven, James Merola of East Haven, along with five grandchildren, Alyssa Merola, Marina Martinez, Neil Merola III, Cody Green, and Sarah Martinez. Judith is also survived by three brothers, Lester Lord Jr. of NY, Robert Lord (Anita) of CT, and Jay Lord of OK. She is preceded in death by sister, Joan Amarone. Judith became a Catholic as an adult. She learned much about her Catholic faith by watching EWTN and Mother Angelica. While bedridden, it was her daily routine to pray the rosary and watch the mass on TV. In the past, she enjoyed outings with friends, going to tag sales, and chatting for many hours with her sister and best friend, Joan. She appreciated the simple things in life. Something small such as a phone call, card, or visit from a friend brought her much happiness. She loved nature, among her favorites were daisies, cacti and white birch trees. She loved the time spent visiting out west, and enjoyed the scenery with the vast mountains, oceans and deserts. Living by the shoreline, Judith loved the beach and sunsets, and was also an admirer and collector of lighthouses. She gave selflessly of herself for her family and friends, sometimes taking in people who needed a place to stay when they had nowhere else to turn. She was always there for those with problems, trying to help and guide them through their adversities and struggles with life. Family will receive friends from 8:30 – 9:40 AM on Thursday, December 15, 2016 at the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. Funeral procession will leave on Thursday at 9:45 AM for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM in St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 80 Taylor Ave., East Haven with Committal to follow at East Lawn Cemetery.