Lynn Merwin

Lorraine Gail "Lynn" Merwin, was the daughter of the late Vance E. Gail of Kenosha, WI and Rockford, Illinois and the late Carolyn A. Gail of London, England, Chicago and Pass Christian, MS.   She was also the adopted daughter of her grandparents, the late John Franklin Gail and his wife, the late Olive Gail of Evanston, Illinois.
Lynn was born and raised in Evanston, Illinois where she graduated from Roycmore School for Girls.   After that she spent time dancing for the USO (of course lying about her age).  She met and married Sam Stewart of Buffalo, N.Y., a lawyer for the Federal Trade Commission.  They are survived by five children,  Amy Stewart Steiner (Jeff), John E. Stewart (Carol), Julie Stewart, Robert Charles Stewart, all of Pass Christian and Lorraine Stewart Rojas of Long Beach; 7 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; several step-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.
The family moved in 1957 to Pass Christian, MS to be near Sam's parents.
Lynn was a former member of Pass Christian Yacht Club, Garden Club, Girl Scout Leader, PTA and PTO member and Trinity Episcopal Church where she was president and treasurer of the Martha Guild group.  What she loved most was volunteering at the "Harbor Shop" - a consignment nonprofit shop.  She was there for 29 years and learned a lot from customers and dealers.
In 1963, her husband, Sam Stewart, was killed in an accident.   Four years later she married, Harry Merwin, who had just opened the Old Community Grocery.   They later opened a fast food restaurant in front of St. Paul's Church but this was not what they wanted to do.   Their store, Old Things Collectibles and Antiques, became The Old Community Antique and Collectible Mall.   This business would still be in business today if Katrina had not knocked it down.
These 15 years were a wonderful and successful endeavor. This included booths along with many consigners from all over the country.  What a joy that time was, so many merchants and customers became close friends throughout the years.  What wonderful way to finish off your golden days.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Olivia Hightower, Julie Prescott and Paulette Dawkins, and the staff of Dixie White House for their care of our mother.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Humane Society of South MS, 2615 Hwy 49, Gulfport, MS 39501.
Visitation will be on Saturday, February 9, 2019, from 9 - 11 am at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 19130 Commission Road, Long Beach.  A funeral service will be at 11 am in the chapel.  Interment will be in New DeLisle Cemetery.
An online guestbook may be signed and condolences offered at www.riemannfamily.com