In memoriam - Merrilyn Cook

Merry, born in Vermont, USA, passed away on 30 March. She was 85. She officially joined Auroville in 1999, but was already involved 10 years earlier.

Merry is remembered by her friends and caretakers as “mighty willed, brilliant and the sweetest lady we know … Her strong individuality, inherent sweetness and sincere aspiration for the Divine Mother shone through, touching the lives of everyone around her.”

Merry joined Auroville at the age of 50, and, being a lover of animals, soon got involved with the dog shelter. As a music teacher, she harmonised the lives of countless students, sharing the universal language that brought joy and beauty to all. She expressed her kindness and love for children through teaching and caring for many animals over the years.

In later years Merry suffered dementia and severe hearing loss, which did not prevent her from being a regular customer at La Terrace where she had lunch and read the newspapers, with a pen in hand to write her comments in the margins!

Merry’s remains were buried on 4 April at the Auroville Burial Ground.

True Animal Stories, a book that Merry wrote and which was published in Tamil and English, is available at Thamarai and other Auroville schools.