HAVERHILL: Jacqueline "Jackie" (Merrill) Emerson, 81, wife of the late Richard H. Emerson, died November 22, 2011 at Genesis Westford House in Westford, MA.

Born in Haverhill on March 3, 1930, Mrs. Emerson was the daughter of the late H. Clifton and Dorothy (Johnson) Merrill.

A graduate of Haverhill High School, Class of 1947, Mrs. Emerson went on to continue her education graduating f rom Vermont Junior College, Class of 1949, and Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene, Class of 1950. She worked for both Drs Raymond Palmer and Robert Murphy. She was a member of First Church of Christ in Bradford, Haverhill Rotary Ann's, the Tuesday Nighters, and Fidelity Chapter #39, Order of Rainbow for Girls. Jackie was an avid sports fan and enjoyed the Boston Bruins, Patriots, Celtics and Red Sox! She enjoyed her flower garden, knitting and needlepoint, but more importantly, she loved being a Mom and a homemaker.

Jackie is survived by her children: Nancy E. Esty and her husband Steven of Haverhill, Susan E. Reid and her husband Malcolm of North Grafton and Richard M. "Rick" Emerson of Kingston, NH and his companion Sandi Janoski. She also shared a loving relationship with her grandchildren: Alison and Sarah Esty, and Michelle A. Reid.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Church of Christ in Bradford. Calling hours will precede the service from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Dole, Childs & Shaw Funeral Home, 148 Main Street, Haverhill. Interment follows at Elmwood Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 330 Congress St., 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02210.