Lodi CA, Stockton Record, 1997-10-29 Mildred C. Wilcox Merrill defied muscular disease SOUTH PARIS - Mildred C. Wilcox Merrill, 101, of 477 High St., formerly of Cornish, died Friday at the Maine Veterans Home. She was born in Cornish on March 4, 1896, a daughter of James A. and Eva Smith Wilcox, and attended Parsonsfield schools and Parsonsfield Seminary. Mrs. Merrill was born with a muscular disease which left her unable to walk unassisted. A determined person, she learned at home before she was able to attend school. Her teacher brought material to her and with her help and the help of her family she learned to do many things. At age 12, she beat the odds and learned to walk. She was told by doctors that she would never work a day, but she did. She passed a Red Cross first aid course and in 1951 at age 55 she took a correspondence course with the Chicago School of Nursing and became a licensed practical nurse. She enjoyed reading her Bible, books and news articles. She crocheted or knitted baby sets for all her relatives' babies and Scotty dogs for the children. She also tatted, embroidered and did latch hook. She alsc enjoyed doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles, playing the piano and fishing, and was a Red Sox fan. During World War she knitted vests and special mittens with one finger and a thumb for the Red Cross to send to the men in the service. After five years of private duty nursing she retired and beegan assisting relatives with their children. She was named Hawkeye by her grandnephews, who couldn't get away with anything because of her sharp eyesight. They later described her as caring, thoughtful and generous. In 1994, she received the Boston Globe Gold Head Cane from the town selectmen for being the oldest resident in Cornish. She gave up the cane when she moved from Pumpkinville in 1995 to live with her nephew and his wife, Carroll and Gloria Wadsworth of South Paris. She later moved to the Maine Veterans Home. When she turned 100, she celebrated with a party with family and friends. She received letters from President and Mrs. Clinton, Gov. King and his wife, Mary Herma and Willard Scott. According to relatives, Mrs. Merr attributed her longevity to not smoking or drinking and living a quiet life. She was a member of the Cornish United Church Christ, and an honorary member of the former LendHand Club and the Ladies Guild of the church. Surviving are many nieces and nephews. A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Neal a York Funeral Home, Kezar Falls, with the Rev. Irvin Verrill officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery.