Meredith M. "Merry" Linde
May 20, 1952 - September 11, 2012

"Billy, Courtney & Frankie & wife, I just learned of Merry's death...we had lost touch shortly after Court was born, then found each other again via AOL...actually, I was looking to "friend" Merry on FB & that's how I saw her obituary. I couldn't believe it... Not the Sunshine Girl" who had everything she had always wanted... Billy, you didn't have a chance! Courtney, you were everything to her. She loved her family and her life. I was befriended by Merry in Jr High...and she became like my sister. The Mercaldo household was a second home to me...spaghetti dinners, always the hang out...great music with Johnnie and his bands...great love from the entire family... I just always imagined Merry being around this earth a very long time, ALWAYS available to pick up where we left off! She is with peace and no pain now and looking over her brood. She loved greatly and if you were her friend you were lucky...her family that she had to leave behind we're her pride and joy. Billy you kept that smile on her face and Courtney, you were and are her most precious person and I am certain that with your Dad and your Mom you are one awesome woman. Keep the faith. I miss you, Merry. Cricket"

"Billie, Courtney, Frank & Kim We are so sorry to see this in the paper. My heart just dropped as I saw her name and couldn't believe it was Merry. What an incredible person. I haven't seen her for years, but when my Dad passed she sent me a beautiful letter and we spoke for hours. What a great childhood we had remembering everything from her mom , dad & mine. All the things we did and shared -the fun we had at the house. How her Dad would tease us!! and Aunt Leona well I got my first job because of her. She made sure I was dressed up for this intereview. Frank I am sure you can remember things like this. Again, you just have to remember the good times. She spoke so highly of all of you. Courtney, she said you are capable of anything. just remember those words. Time does not heal- it just makes it alittle more tolerable. Again, With Sincere Sympathy Love, Pam (Palermo) D'Amore Frank & Philip D'Amore"

"Bill and Courtney, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Merry. I haven't seen Merry in years but she is someone that I like all the way back to Elem. school. We went all thru school together from Kindergarten to graduation. She was friendly to everyone. She was always a very happy go lucky person and with a beautiful smile on her lips for everyone. She will be sorely missed by everyone. Debbie Johnson Fisher"

" My friend since we were 13 years old. Our teenage days were filled with so much fun, and a little mischief. Several months ago Merry and I read through some of the silly notes we would write and pass to each other in Junior High School. Merry remembered details like it was yesterday. She could tell you where we were and what we were wearing for any event that had ever happened. I have so many wonderful memories we've shared in our 47 year friendship. Sleepovers with Dona, Regina and Cindy, West Point Park, The Ambler Movies, Parties, Drives to Stokesbury Mansion, Sharing Boy Dilemmas, floating upon rafts at my parent's pool for hours (to see who could achieve the darkest tan), our trips to Ventnor and Ocean City, double dating with Mer and Billy, Bermuda, and just hanging out with friends and family at the Mercaldo house. Heading off to Brandywine College with Merry, Mary Angela, and JoAnn was not an Academic experience, but a life adventure the four of us will never forget. The bond between the four of us is a friendship we all cherish. Merry and I always talked about starting our own Business and calling it Col-Mer products; it was one crazy idea after another. We joked a few months ago about her coming out of retirement and starting an Education Business calling it Col- Mer Educational Consultants. Merry's experience with Early Childhood Education was invaluable. It was obvious to everyone being Courtney's Mom was Merry's highest priority in life. She was so proud of her daughter Courtney. Her job as the "Ideal Mom" was a hard act to follow; my phone calls to Merry for Mom advice when my daughter Alexa was born were daily. Merry was the childcare expert. Merry appreciated her friends and family and is looking down on all of us with her listening ear knowing we need her to get through our time of sorrow. I am comforted knowing she is with her brother John. Momma Leona has the pot of spaghetti simmering and her Dad is telling his War stories over and over again. Merry was a true friend, my life will be changed forever without her; I have so many memories that will make me smile every day. May you rest in peace my wonderful and beautiful friend. I miss you. Love, Colleen, Ed and Alexa Bowman "

"We are so saddened by the loss of Merry. While 9 years with her at Chesterbrook seemed like a long time, it turned out to be but a brief moment. But what a moment it was! Merry, and her staff, did more for us and our beautiful girls than any educator should have or could have. Now, Megan and Katie have another guardian angel watching over them, much like she did when they were babies. They are great kids, thanks to you Merry. Rest in peace. Jim, Colleen, Megan and Katie Hittle"

"I have so many great memories of Merry from our pre-teen days in Broad Axe. We would sit in hr bedroom and talk about clothes , boys (mostly you, Bill!) and the stuff young girls dream about. She always had such a positive spirit. Although I haven't seen her in many years, I can still see her so clearly and always with a big smile to match her big heart! She will be missed. I hope your memories of her will comfort you during this time of sorrow,"

"Bill and Coutney, I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. I have so many fond memories of Merry and her beautiful smile. May family, friends,time comfort you, my faith uphold you, loving memories heal your heart. With heartfelt sympathy, Joann Matsko Banyas"

"Billy and Courtney, My deepest and most heartfelt sympathies go out to you on the passing of your precious wife and mother. In all the many conversations we shared over our time together at NLCI, I don't think I can ever remember a time when the two of you did not come up in her thoughts. She loved you both so very much and always will. There are so many stories I could tell about Merry and each one would end with a smile forming on your face. She made us laugh-even when she wasn't supposed to-and you could always count on Merry to tell you what she REALLY thought about something. When I first started at NLCI, she had me convinced that she was such a tough administrator so I asked her to come over and help me have a serious disciplinary conversation with a staff member. She came to my school and immediately asked if she could sit OUTSIDE the office or in one of the classrooms while I had the serious talk without her. When I told her that I thought she was there to help me have the necessary conversation, she took my arm and confessed that she couldn't possibly be in there with me because she didn't like confrontations. I laughed. That is when I knew that my mentor was just a "rough, tough creampuff." We shared many such memories. I especially remember the principals' meeting we were attending when it started to snow outside. Merry saw one flake and announced that she had to leave IMMEDIATELY! The year we turned 50, we were treated to a limousine ride downtown for a spa treatment. She refused to get into the limo until she knew every detail of the morning. Then when we were finally on our way, she declared that she couldn't go through with it because her eyebrows weren't tweezed! Only Merry! My favorite memories, though, are family related. We all went to a Phillies game with our husbands and Merry proudly introduced her Billy to everyone and spoke of his interests. She was almost blushing as she showed him off. I remember how proud she always was and is of her Courtney. When my daughter and I showed up to watch one of Courtney's playoff hockey games, Merry was beside herself with joy. Probably one of my fondest memories of Merry was when she came to visit my school and asked to see my new granddaughter who was a student in our infant room. She picked her up and asked if she could bring her into the office with us. Once we were inside, Merry burst into song and my granddaughter giggled and cooed at her new friend. We all started laughing. " Kum Ba Yah" has never been the same since that day. When I think of Merry, I think of sunshine and smiles. You were the sunshine in her life, and she put smiles on all of our faces. God Bless you, Merry, until we meet again. Pam DeNato "

"Merry when I moved to the area from the northeast in March of 2nd grade you came up to me and introduced yourself and became my first and only friend for years. I always loved that you did that and made me feel so welcome at a new school. we were 7. i am devastated to hear you left us so early, but I know you are with God and I am sure he is thrilled to have your magnificent spirit. You are missed and loved. Melanie Mayron"

"Such a huge loss!! Heaven is blessed with an exceptional new angel!! Merry (and her staff) provided my (many) children with a safe, loving environment. She was not only a caregiver/educator, she was a friend, and made everyone feel like they were a family at Chesterbrook. Rest in peace Merry! Courtney and Bill, my condolenses. You were so blessed to have Merry in your life...we all were!!"

"Bill, Courtney, Frank & Kim... Steve and I are so sorry to hear the sad news about Merry's passing. We remember her always as smiling, happy and funny. We hope the warm and wonderful memories you have of her will help you thru this difficult time.... "

"Bill and Courtney, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Merry. She was a wonderful lady. I remember her as always smiling and bubbly. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. June Lentz"

"Bill and Courtney, So sorry to hear about Merry. Our hearts and prayers are with both of you at this time. Merry was a wonderful person with a beautiful smile. She always made you feel as though you had known her all your life. She is someone that comes along once in a lifetime and we are happy to have shared some special times with her. Again, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are here for you always. Gary, Dawn, Lauren, Sean and Amy Chrisman"

"We are all so sorry to hear about the passing of Merry. She was such a wonderful person. I remember how comfortable she made me feel when I dropped my firstborn son off at Chersterbrook to be cared for while I went back to work. I went on to have 2 more children that were looked after by Merry and her staff. She made that daycare such a loving, memorable place for my kids. And for me...she was the kind of person you met and you immediatlely were friends. Although I have never met Courtney and Bill, i feel as though I have - she loved you both and were so proud of you. There is special place in Heaven for Merry. Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones."

"To Bill and Courtney, So sorry for the loss of Merry. She was a wonderful friend in school and I'm sure a wonderful wife and mother. With love and deep sympathy. Gary Miller"

"My love, respect and sympathy for Billy, Court, and Frankie . As long as i can remember whenever I saw cousin Merry, Billy was always by her side.. Just a whole lot of love in that family growing up and a whole lot of love on the other side waiting for her .. Love you guys "

"Billy and Courtney, I will Miss Her with all my heart."

"Bill, Courtney and Family, So very sorry for the loss of your wonderful Mother/Wife. I will alawys cherish the warm memories of growing up with Cousin Merry, and family. Extending sincere sympathy and love surround you. With Love, (Maria) Laina, Ed and Family "

"Ted, Janson, Bree and I want to expresses our deepest sympathy to Courtney and your whole family. Merry was so nice to us and Janson for his years at chesterbrook. She has raised a great daughter and will be greatly missed.---- Melinda Scholl"

"Bill and Court not sure u know me but i'm the one who would send ur mom -wife a card every couple of weeks from the time i heard her illness was back .I transferred to north wales when Plymouth closed it's doors and dear Merry found a place for me with her. while working with her she was a joy beyond joy , we would have many talks about the to of u .Merry loved u both very much and u court were the apple of her eye from the time u were little.I left mom and went else where to a new school and she never had any bad feelings towards me , always told me there would always b a job with her if i ever needed one .I always felt very blessed to have know Merry she was like a angel from above with a heart of gold that is how i will always remember her . ree ree"

"I am so sorry to hear about Merry...she always had the brightest smile and sunniest disposition...she brought joy to so many! May God bless you all with beautiful memories and may you find peace in knowing she is in God's care. "

"Merry ~ We love you & miss you and know you are in God's presence with His love, peace, comfort, & blessings for eternity. You will always be remembered & never forgotten by your family & friends. May God's love embrace your husband Bill, daughter Courtney, brother Frankie, & other family members & close friends during this especially difficult time. Love in Christ, George, Nannette, Taylor, Colton, Hadley, Brenton, & Camelia Grace Williams"

" Merry always has one bright smile, and always something nice to say. Bill you know how Sal and I feel, You hang in there. Courtney, you lost a great MOM, but remember you have the greatest DAD ever,. Sal and BIG CAL"

"Billy, Courtney, and family - Joanne and I send you our deepest sympathies. Hopefully, the brilliance of Merry's beautiful smile will provide you with a guiding light to help you through these most difficult of times."

"Hard to believe this. Merry's many friends are taken back by this sad news but nothing can take the funny stories away from their collective memories. Mary Angela and I extend our deepest sympathies to Billy and Courtney. "

"Billy and family, I'm so sorry to hearo of the death of Merry. Sher was a wonderful wife, mother and sister. She'll always be remembered for her laughter and bubbly personality. You are in my prayers and my God's arms wrap around you during this difficult time. "