Florence O. (Thibeault) Merchant, 64, of Naquag St., died on Friday, September 25, 2009 after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer and from a broken heart after losing the love of her life and husband of 44 years, Richard “Dick” L. Merchant to cancer last Wednesday.

    She leaves two sons, Richard “Rick” Merchant and his wife Tabitha of Rutland and Dean Merchant and his wife Shannon of Rindge, NH; a daughter, Tammy Lloyd and her husband Brian of Rindge; two brothers, Richard Thibeault and his wife Phyllis of Boylston and William Thibeault and his wife Lillian of Rutland; a sister, Helen Trottier and her husband Donald of Jefferson; 5 grandchildren, Joshua, Jessica and Joseph Merchant, Breana and Spencer Lloyd. A brother, Paul Thibeault, predeceased her. She was born in Holden, a daughter of Josephat and Eva (LeBlanc) Thibeault and has lived in Rutland for many years. She was a graduate of Wachusett Regional High School and Broms Academy in Worcester.

    Since 1972, Florence along with her husband and son were owners and operators of Dick’s Auto Body in Rutland and Holden. Previously she worked at Lee Salon, Lorners Shop, Vellumoid, Inc. in Worcester and for many years as a nanny. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Church and enjoyed her grandchildren and all of the children who came into her life: Jared Block, Gina and Gregory Connolly, Mike and Pat McCarthy, Hannah and Margaret Johnson.

    Relatives and friends are invited to attend the calling hours of both Florence and her husband Dick from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27th, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. Their funeral will be held on Monday, Sept. 28th, from the funeral home with a 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burials in St. Patrick’s Church, Main St., Rutland. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. The family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.