Early this morning, under the waxing crescent moon, Merry Helen (Tillitson) O’Briens’ wild untamed spirit joined her beloved husband, Tom, for their next great adventure! Tigger & Eeyore – together again!

Left to cherish the memory of Merry’s life are her sister; Merry’s two children & their families; her cousins; and a huge network of dear friends.

Merry loved water – she truly was OceanWoman, kin to the playful otters!  She enjoyed laughing, singing, making music, teaching basketry, & creating herbal remedies.

She was indeed a bright & shining soul who will be missed dearly and remembered fondly.

I have had this song nonstop in my dreams the last couple days as we drove across country to be with Merry.

“We all come from the Goddess
And to Her we shall return
Like a drop of rain,
Flowing to the ocean. Isis, Astarte, Diana. Hecate, Demeter, Kali, Innana. She changes everything she touches, and everything she touches changes. Fire & Air, Earth Water. Fire & Air, Earth Water. Goddess is alive, music is afoot! Goddess is alive, magic is afoot!”

Her dear friend Nancy visited Merry yesterday, She texted “On my way to Peter’s Creek with my Eagle feather, lavender, and cedar to see and bless OceanWoman.” She phoned us from Merrys bedside so we could tell her again how loved she was. We sang Goddess songs, quacked, and howled like wolves!

Merry & Tom were revered as mentors and as keepers of AA history. Merry was a beloved crone who helped women see their worth even as they aged. They both taught people how to stay playful, joyful and embrace silliness!

Merry meet and Merry Part, until we meet again! Quack! Quack!