Merry Anderson, 77

Merry Anderson, our beloved mother, grandmother, artist, teacher and friend left this world suddenly on May 26, 2023 at the age 77.

She was born in Kerhonkson, NY to Andrew and Blanche Anderson on September 5, 1945. After graduating high school from the Oakwood Friends School, she went on to study and earn her college degree in Early Childhood Education from Goddard College in 1967. She met and married Paul Harsch while at Goddard. After traveling around Europe together they settled in the Berkshires to start their careers and family. Merry started her teaching career at the Head Start program in North Adams, MA. Her passion for art and education lead her to take a position at the Williamstown Elementary school as the Art Teacher where she spent over 48 years igniting children’s curiosity and passion for art. During the summers Merry founded and Camp Sarsaparilla, an arts and nature learning haven, which she ran for 51 years.

Merry is survived by her four children; Caleb Harsch, Sarah Christmas, Katherine Weaver, and Jessica Hopkins, and her eight grandchildren- Kaitlyn Harsch, Hailey Harsch, Wilson Christmas, James Christmas, Oliver Weaver, Adeline Weaver, Henry Hopkins and Olivia Hopkins.

Along with her impressive career and unwavering dedication to her art and education, her greatest joy was being a mother and grandmother. Merry would never hesitate when asked drive to any game, sit and read the same book 10 times, sing silly songs, craft for hours, or just be that phone call away to anyone in need of her love. She was a friend, counselor, supporter and cheerleader to anyone who needed her. Her kindness, creative hands, contagious laughter and enormous heart will be missed by all who had the privilege of being in her orbit. Like her gardens she loved to tend, we all have learned to grow and thrive from her guiding light.

During her “retirement” Merry loved her time walking with friends, manning her craft booth at the Farmers Market, running her Camp, doing yoga and being an active member of her church.

Merry will be honored at the First Congregational church in Williamstown, MA on June 29th with a reception from 2pm-6pm, all are welcome to come share your stories, your tears and your love for her.

The family also will be starting a scholarship program to honor their mothers love of the arts. Donations can be given at this GoFund Me: https://gofund.me/573aed26

To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com