Marie Merwin, 63, of Dowagiac, passed away at 6 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010, at her home.

Marie’s life began on Nov. 21, 1946, in Dowagiac, the daughter of Orrin D. and Mary Louise (Bower) Merwin.

She was a 1964 graduate of Dowagiac High School. Marie had been employed by Creative Foam, Harding’s Markets and tended bar at several area taverns. She was a member of the Dowagiac Eagles and the Dowagiac Moose Lodge. Marie was an outdoors person, better than most men. She loved to hunt and fish and loved to garden. She had a soft spot for her animals, being mother to many; she fed every animal in the neighborhood.

She is survived by: a daughter, Bobbie Merwin of Minneapolis, Minn.; sisters, Nancy Hudson of Florida, Cecile Harrington of Dowagiac and Jane Ferrier of Dowagiac; brothers, David (Millicent) Merwin of Dowagiac, Danny E. (Claudette) Merwin of Dowagiac and William G. ( Judy) Merwin of Dowagiac; and several nieces and nephews.

Marie is preceded in death by her parents, a brother Tom Merwin and Bobbie’s father, Robert L. Hamilton. Cremation has taken place. There will be no services. Yazel and Clark Chapel is serving her family. Memorial donations may be directed to the Cass County Animal Shelter. Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Marie at www.yazel-clark.com.