From the February 1955 "Parish News" of the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, her parish as an adult:
"We all remember how 'Miss Mary' would be wheeled in her chair along Brookville Road, accompanied always by her sister, "Miss Mildred' ... There always seemed to be an added devotion in attending Mass with Miss Mary there.
"Unable to participate actively in the Sanctuary Sodality, nevertheless her influence was felt there perhaps more than that of any other individual. She was the inspiration for forming on the first units, The Christ Child group ... in the early days of the parish. ... This unit has been responsible for untold thousands of beautiful layette sets given in the name of the christ Child to gladden the hearts of poor parents.
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"A few months ago one of the parish discussion clubs - and Encyclical group - met ... and Miss Merrick was on the of the most interested and active discussants.
"Over coffee, discussion turned to children involved in the difficulties of this world. How the group wondered, should such children be handled? 'Well,' Miss Merrick said softly, 'I'd be just as kind as I could.'"