DANVERS, MA - Joyce Merritt, 83, of Danvers passed away peacefully in her sleep after a period of declining health.

Born and raised in Salem MA, Joyce was the daughter of the late Joseph and Emma Brusso. Joyce graduated from St. James School.

Joyce and her beloved, late husband George Merritt were married on October 24th, 1964 and settled in their treasured home on the Crane River in the Danversport neighborhood where they raised their sons Bill and Chris and daughter Leslie until moving to Putnam Farm in Danvers in 2018.

Joyce was a devoted wife and mother and had deep pride and admiration for George and her children. When her children were young, she worked nights as a Head Cashier at Ann & Hope as her children would eagerly await her arrival home with Pizza from the infamous Ann & Hope snack bar. Joyce was an avid sports fan attending all her children's and later grandchildren's games with George. She was also a "die hard" Boston sports fan who never missed watching a televised Red Sox, Celtics or Patriots game with George and enjoyed post-game analysis and "Monday Morning Quarterbacking" with her kids and grandkids! Joyce and George set a wonderful example while caring for their own parents in their elder years. Joyce and George also enjoyed many trips to Atlantic City to play the slot machines and more recently to the Encore Casino with Chris and Leslie. Joyce was one of ten siblings and she remained close with her sisters and brothers throughout her whole life.

Joyce was an amazing cook and baker and passed her recipes down to her children and grandchildren. "Grammy's" French Toast and frosted brownies delighted her grandchildren. She was a talented, self-taught painter who gifted many of her paintings to family and friends and created a virtual art gallery in her home at Putnam Farm. She had quite a "sense of humor" and kept her grandchildren laughing with her dry wit.

Joyce leaves her sons and daughters-in-law, Bill and Maureen Merritt of Danvers, Chris and Rene Merritt of Beverly and daughter, Leslie Locke of Boxford. She also leaves her eight cherished grandchildren; Patrick (Rachel), Cody (Breidi) and Brendan Merritt, Ceirra, Olivia and Jackson Merritt and Evan and his fiancé, Cara Melaragno and Alexandra Locke and two great grand babies; Veronica Merritt and Maddie Merritt. She is survived by her sisters, Donna Boudrot of Danvers and Kathy (Ted) Drabkowski of FL, her brothers David (Claudia) of NH and Rodney (Carol) of ME. Other survivors include her brother-in-law William Merritt and his wife, Carlin of Santa Rosa, CA sister-in laws Linda Brusso of FL and Jeanne Brusso of ME as well as many nieces and nephews and her dear friends, Sandra Babiarz and Nancy Moore. Joyce was predeceased by her dear son-in-law, James (Jim) Locke, her sisters Marilyn Sheldon and Carol A. Mead-Kenney and brothers Robert, Brad and Gordon Brusso and brother-in-law David Merritt.

The family would like to thank the staff at Putnam Farm, Hathorne Hill and Care Dimensions for the compassionate care and support they provided.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to attend Joyce's funeral Mass which will be held at St. Mary of the Annunciation Church, 24 Conant St., Danvers on Thursday, May 15th at 12 (NOON) with her burial to follow at Annunciation Cemetery in Danvers. Visiting hours will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) DANVERS prior to her mass from 9:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Joyce's name to the American Arthritis Foundation. https://www.americanarthritisfoundation.org/ . To share a message or offer your condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.