Carroll (Merch) Francis Chase, 86, of Marion died Tuesday, March 20, 2012 after a brief illness. She was the widow of Russell W. Chase.
Born in Boston, MA, Carroll was the daughter of the late William F. and Ethal (Raymond) Merchant. She is survived by a brother Robert Merchant of Florida and sister Patricia Grogan of Worcester, MA. Carroll was raised and educated in Mattapoisett.
Carroll was employed by Revere Copper and Brass for many years. In New Hampshire she worked for Markem before opening her own natural food store. In 1974 Carroll returned with the family to Mattapoisett where she and Marge Wood opened their natural food store Pure and Simple. A move to Florida introduced Carroll to the medical records filed.
At age 70 Carroll moved back to Mattapoisett and enrolled at U Mass Dartmouth where she received her BA in English -Writing and Communications Magnum Cum Laude. At age 80 she received her Masters of Arts in Professional Writing. Always an avid reader and writer, Carroll wrote and self-published two books – The Pines and The Hurricane of 1938.
Survivors include her children: Russell (Chip) Chase, wife Lynne of Mattapoisett; Deborah Briggs, husband Arnold of West Wareham; David Case, wife Kathleen of West Wareham and Robert Chase, wife Michele of Fall River. Also surviving are nine grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Carroll leaves many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
A celebration of her life will be held March 31 at 2PM in Reynard Hall at the Congregational Church in Mattapoisett. All are welcome.