Annie Merz, 59

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Annie Merz, 59, beloved owner of renowned boutique clothing company Eagle Ray Traders, passed away September 12, 2018, after a brief, fierce battle with cancer.  

Annie was born February 17, 1959, to Ruth and Robert Merz of Stony Brook, N.Y.  Annie’s childhood was spent roaming the beautiful beaches on the east end of Long Island, attending the Stony Brook School, and generally making trouble with her four siblings. She attended Guilford College in Greensboro, N.C., and majored in French.  She worked for SwissAir for 10 years and took every opportunity to travel the world.  When her time with SwissAir ended she started a business importing wooden handicrafts from Bali.  

She met her husband, fellow Balinese importer Roman Fedoryka, in 1995 while vending at an event at the site of the original Woodstock. The two united their businesses and lives, married September 19, 1999, and moved to Great Barrington, Mass., in the winter of 2000. They brought their child, a golden retriever puppy named Kitty, home in 2004.  

Unfortunately, Roman passed away from liver cancer on October 25, 2005. In spite of this devastating loss, Annie soldiered on. She built Eagle Ray Traders from a small but successful festival vendor into an internationally known clothing wholesaler. Additionally, Eagle Ray has donated a portion of their profits towards helping to educate impoverished Balinese children.  

Annie is survived by her mother, Ruth Merz of Mechanicsburg, Pa.; and siblings Lawrie Merz and John McGuire of Carlisle, Pa., Mimi and Leighton Mears of Wading River, N.Y., Bobby and Kerrie Anne Merz of Rochester, N.Y., and Carrie Merz of Boston; nephews Liam and Connor Mears; nieces Kyra Mears and Abby, Maisie, and Bizzy Merz; her surrogate daughters, Ashley Long of Philadelphia and Holli Bushnell of Burlington, Vt.; and countless friends all over the world.  

She is predeceased by her husband Roman Fedoryka; her father Bob Merz; and her beloved dog of 14 years Kitty.  

Funeral notice: Services for Annie will be held at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home at 426 Main St. in Great Barrington, Mass., on September 29, 2018, at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Berkshire Humane Society through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230 or online. 

We will miss you, Nonnie; shine on, you crazy diamond!