Retirement brings a lifestyle change. For some that involves more leisure activities, and for others like Mary Merrell, it means continuing her efforts to serve the community.
However, Merrellās story extends far beyond volunteering for multiple great causes. Although at times having to deal with the occasional rocky path in life, Merrellās remarkable spirit and passion has led to some equally as outstanding achievements.
Having moved to Sun City three years ago this September, this dynamic 73-year-old tackles working part-time three days a week at the Elgin based company, Diamond Tool & Abrasives. It is a company she has worked at for the past 34 years while maintaining a high profile in the two clubs she is currently involved in.
Merrell joined the Elgin Lions Club in 1977.
āWomen were not allowed to be members of the Lions Club. I had to join the Lioness Club at the time. It wasnāt until later when they finally allowed women to join, that I transferred. The old-time guys thought it was crazy, but I served as the first female president from 2007 to 2009 and was president again in 2017,ā Merrell stated.
Merrell now serves as the membership chairman of the Elgin Lions Club. She explains their big cause is primarily helping less fortunate children receive glasses.
āWeāve supplied 250 pairs of glasses through the school year,ā Merrell said.
Merrell credits her involvement in boating and yet another opportunity to get involved to her husband, Chuck. Their matrimony brought not only a new opportunity to challenge gender norms, but a unique family experience.
āHe had three children who were in high school and I had a three-year-old and a five-year-old when we met. Our combined family of five eventually gave us 16 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. I became a widow in May of 2016, but Iām happy for all the years we had together and was really relieved after he departed, that I was able to keep on going,ā Merrell said.
It was this determination that had inspired Merrell to join yet another male exclusive club, Americaās Boating Club.
Merrell explains, āItās funny how many were male oriented organizations. I donāt think of myself as a rebel. My husband and I participated in a lot together. Women could hold certifications, but they couldnāt be members or hold an office and couldnāt vote. I think a girl in New York eventually brought a lawsuit to them and women were allowed to join. It was a fun thing that my husband and I enjoyed.ā
The club has since changed its name to the United States Sail and Power Squadron, where Merrell proudly serves as a district commander. This club works to educate the public in safe boating practices.
āOur classes expand on everything from basic pirating to celestial navigation. Iāve taken and passed all the classes. In total, it took me 10 to 11 years. I never thought Iād be a district commander, but Iām proud of achieving what I have. People just donāt volunteer anymore and membership in boat clubs have decreased so we do a lot of boat shows and booths,ā she said.
To answer the question that her grandchild once asked her about what retired people do, she responded by saying, āI volunteer. I try to help other people. Thatās just how our folks brought us up. Sometimes you have to play the cards youāre dealt. You canāt change what happens.ā
