On December 27, 2014, Merry Martha Maloney of Blue Lake, California passed away in the lovely home she shared with her wife of 28 years, Barbara Culbertson. Merry was surrounded by tremendous love and light of her chosen family and grateful community.

Merry was born on February 13, 1941 in San Jose, California to Thomas Patrick Maloney and Lillian (Gard) Maloney. She graduated with a Master’s Degree in nursing from the University of Pennsylvania and went on to teach nursing at the University of Hawaii, University of Virginia and Humboldt State. She later became a school nurse for several Humboldt County Schools, where her bubbling open heart made a terrific impact on the lives of scores of children as “Nurse Merry”.

Upon her retirement Merry redirected her nursing skills to the rescue and rehabilitation of birds of prey through the Humboldt Wildlife Care Center. During this time she developed and became director of their educational program. Handling several different unreleasable hawks, owls and falcons, she and her team of volunteers presented over 100 programs a year in schools and community groups. “Merry’s devotion to future generations, to environmental education, and our co-existence with our wild neighbors will leave a long legacy”. (HWCC)

Merry was an athlete and fitness advocate. As a younger woman she was a belly dancer, body builder and competitive swimmer. Later, as an avid cyclist, Merry and her biking buddies Diana Livingston, Jody Rusconi, and Lynn Smith (The “Machettes”) rode over 100,000 miles together during the past 25 years. One of Merry’s last big rides, the Markleville Death Ride, was at age 70 with her “brother” Lee Rusconi. An extremely challenging ride, the course covers five mountain passes over 129 miles of terrain in one day. She has also ridden Pedal the Peaks, Cycle Oregon, Tour of the Unknown Coast, Death Valley, and many more 100 milers. In 2012, with teammates Michelle Jezycki and Marion Huish, she raced the bike leg of the Half Iron Man Puerto Rico Triathlon. She inspired riders half her age.

Merry was a member of Pan Dulce Steel Pan Orchestra, ran agility competitions with her beloved four-legged friend Lila and hiked so many miles of trails with her two legged friends.

Merry was a lover of life, who always had time to get down on her knees and play in the doll house with her “kids”, listen to a story or laugh out loud. She made children feel immeasurably important. She had a willing ear, a winning smile and just the right amount of mischief in her eye. She loved a good cup of coffee in the morning.

Merry is survived by her wife, Barbara Culbertson, and chosen family: Kathleen Cornish of Blue Lake, Jaese Lecuyer of North Dakota, Jacqueline Dandeneau, David Ferney, her most beloved “fairy granddaughters” Amelia David and Cora Dandeneau of Blue Lake, Amy Tetzlaff and Tom, Jeremy, Stephanie and Iris Szantos of McKinleyville, her cousin Jann Fling of Delhi, India, nieces Becky Parsons of Yuba City and Deborah Lessa of Hayward, god daughter Laura Snow and son Zak of Aptos, beloved dog Lila, Purrl the cat, and a host of winged creatures.

Merry wanted us to “Thank everyone. Don’t leave anyone out.” And so, Merry, we will try our best.

A special thanks to Dr. Michael Fratkin, Hospice nurse Deann and the staff at Hospice Humboldt, the staff at St. Joe’s Infusion Center, Dr. Palmer and Dr. Luh, Sharon Nelson, Jean Stach and Jim Kineary, Rebecca Zettler and Kit Mann, Diana Livingston, Lee and Jody Rusconi, Barbara Penny and Kristi Gochoel, Tisa Lucchessi, Joan Schirle, Jeanne Peffley and Cathy Gillan, Marlene Jerkovich, Linda Parkinson and the Humboldt Wildlife Care Center crew.

A huge thank you to everyone who brought food this past year, everyone who lit a candle, said a prayer, sent good energy, and loved Merry Martha Maloney, that “shining burst of a woman.”

A celebration of Merry’s infectious bright life will be held at the Arcata Playhouse, 1251 Ninth Street, on Sunday, February 8, 2pm-6pm. Please bring a memory and a smile.

Memorial donations can be made to:

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The above obituary was submitted by Merry Maloney’s “chosen family.” The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.