Merrill Freeman

Merrill Freeman, 86, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2026, in the comfort of her family’s home under the care of hospice. She was born in Massachusetts in 1939 where she grew to adulthood in a northern suburb of Boston.  Merrill began her college education at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where she met her husband-to-be, Raymond Freeman. Merrill and Raymond married in 1958 and spent their early wedded years in Fort Stewart, Georgia where Raymond was an officer in the U.S. Army.  The couple eventually settled in Champlain, New York where they raised four daughters and a St. Bernard dog.

Merrill completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at SUNY Plattsburgh which carried her through a teaching career of over 25 years. Merrill loved her students and sought out enriching opportunities for them in addition to teaching the standard curriculum. She organized field trips to Montreal, concerts, plays, and museums. She also enjoyed leading her class outside for afternoon kickball contests. However, Merrill’s greatest passion was creative writing. She enabled all her students to write their own autobiographies. Then, with the help of her husband, bound them into individual books which are cherished still by many of her students. Merrill continued sharing her love of writing after her retirement. She combined her love of animal tales by collecting and sewing her own puppets and presenting lively shows to local elementary classes. After which, she would again encourage students to write their own stories. In addition to teaching first, second, third and fifth grades, Merrill taught piano, was a Sunday school teacher, a Girl Scout leader, an art & crafts and an aquacise instructor. Her most recent teaching outlet was volunteering to teach for the adult literacy program in Plattsburgh. She spoke of this program well into her final years. 

Teaching was not Merrill’s only passion; she loved all the creative arts and was very active in her community.  She was a founding member of Gourmet Group, a long-time active member of the Champlain Literary Club, and a volunteer EMT for Champlain Rescue. Her artistic pursuits included being an alto in her church choir and the local Sweet Adelines chorus. She was an accomplished watercolorist who took pleasure in painting watercolors of nature, flora and fauna alike, in both the North Country and Cape Cod. She shared her talent by sending personalized painted cards to friends and family. Merrill was also a brilliant knitter and seamstress. She loved to knit sweaters and hats for her family and friends and sewed many of matching outfits for her four daughters. Merrill loved to travel, especially with her husband on Elder Hostels and with their good friends, Marilyn and Andy.  When not summering in Cape Cod, Merrill and Raymond explored the Adirondacks by canoe.  Merrill’s love for people, their stories, colorful scenery, and the sharing of these with others will make her missed by many.

Merrill is predeceased by her parents and her husband.  She is survived by father-in-law, James Burke, her brother, David Coclough and his wife, Sandra, her four daughters – Deborah Freeman of Schenectady, Nancy Freeman of Champlain, Julie Bailey of Plattsburgh, and Mary Freeman and her husband, Angel Sanchez, of Champlain, her grandchildren, and great grandchildren. 

In honor of Merrill’s memory, donations may be made to Champlain-Mooers EMS or Three Steeples United Methodist Church. 

Arrangements are in the care of Ross Funeral Home.  A funeral service will take place at Three Steeples United Methodist Church, Champlain on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 1:00pm followed by an opportunity to visit, share stories and memories of Merrill.

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