Helen M. Merrill

Best and lovingly known for her directorship at the Lucille Ball Little Theatre. Helen graduated from Pine Valley High School in 1955. After completing her education with high school graduation, Helen developed an unmatched knowledge through her own life experiences. She had such passion for what she did and loved every minute of it. The countless shows and Jr. Guilders concerts she directed at Little Theatre impacted the community on an artistic level. Her tough yet unconditional love for every performer influenced thousands of hearts and minds far beyond the theatre. Truly, Helen’s compassionate impression shaped souls that will keep her spirit alive for generations to come.

Helen was stern in her beliefs and desires. It was common for her to stay up night after night to craft costumes and contrive show details. Her unwavering motivation every day was her deep dedication. Helen is remembered for responding to the question, “Why do you sleep so few hours?” with, “I do it to stretch my days out. I want to enjoy every minute that I can.” Her zest for living her days to the fullest will be a lasting inspiration to many.

Helen embodied perpetual glitz and glam. While her closet was stocked with sparkly attire, she also loved all things Christmas. Train rides to New York City for shopping sprees were routine for Helen, always keeping up with the latest trends. Most certainly, her aura will be remembered, in part, by the distinctive scent of her perfume.

Helen and her husband, Norm, were at the theatre each day until COVID prevented them from doing so. Undoubtedly, this was a deeply felt loss to the community they cultivated. As for her beloved family, Helen will be missed by her sons, David (Terry) Merrill of Albion, PA and Mark (Leticia) Merrill of Winston-Salem, NC; grandchildren: Kristina (Taylor) Trotty of Georgetown, TX, Sean Merrill of Kingston, NY, and Lindsay (Aubrey) Russell of Jamestown; and great-grandchildren: Archer Trotty, Damon Trotty, Sofia Trotty, and Rose Marie Russell.

Besides her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Merrill, whom she married August 24, 1957, and who passed away in January 2024.

The funeral service for Helen will be at 1:00pm Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at Christ First United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends from 5-8pm Monday, December 30, 2024, at Lind Funeral Home. There will also be a time of visitation for one hour prior to the funeral from 12pm-1pm Tuesday at Christ First United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Helen’s name may be made to the Lucille Ball Little Theatre, 18 E. 2nd Street, Jamestown, NY 14701.

To leave a condolence, please visit lindfuneral home.com.