CAMDEN — Merilyn Drinkwater Littlefield, 77, of Camden, Maine, passed away on Tuesday, November 19, in Rockport after a brief illness.

Merilyn was born in Rockland, Maine, to Merrill and Ruby Drinkwater on February 28, 1947. She grew up on a farm in Burkettville during simpler times. She attended a two-room schoolhouse until third grade when the family moved to Camden. 

Merilyn went to Camden High School and graduated in 1965. Also in 1965, she married Donald Littlefield, who had just been drafted to Vietnam and stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. Son Daniel Littlefield was born while in Texas. The family moved back to Camden, Maine, in 1968. Daughter Beth Littlefield was born in 1976. The family traveled all over the eastern seaboard for whitewater canoe races. Merilyn never missed her son’s, daughter’s, or granddaughters' sporting events and swim meets.

Merilyn worked at Camden Nursing Home and then at Windward Gardens for 39 years. She enjoyed volunteering at the Sail Power and Steam Museum in Rockland, Maine, and at the St. George Community Cupboard food pantry. Merilyn was a member and leader of the Mid-Coast Mastectomy group since 1993. She enjoyed being the secretary of the Ancient Ones of Maine, where she camped at rendezvous with many dear friends and family. She was also a member of the Camden Senior Citizens. 

Merilyn is survived by her son, Daniel Littlefield, daughter-in-law Kelley Crowley Littlefield, and granddaughter Maeve Littlefield of Belfast; daughter Beth Littlefield Ward, son-in-law Wade Ward, and granddaughters Isabella and Lucille Ward, all of Camden, and many sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Merrill and Ruby Drinkwater; her husband, Donald Littlefield, in 1999; and her companion, Charles Oakes, in 2022.

Memorial donations may be made to Pope Memorial Humane Society, Animal Shelter, 25 Buttermilk Lane, Thomaston, Maine, 04861.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Pen Bay and the Sussman House and their caring nurses and doctors.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, December 8, at 11:30 a.m., at the Sail Power and Steam Museum, 75 Mechanic Street, Rockland, Maine.