Nellie A. Merrill

Nellie A. Merrill

August 16, 1937 – March 31, 2025

Nellie Angela Sacco was born on August 16, 1937, to Sam and Grace (Pattavina) Sacco. She had two younger brothers, Fred and Joe, and they grew up in “Little Italy” in Omaha, Nebraska, across the street from their Nana and Nanu Pattavina. All have preceded her in death. Nellie was surrounded by a close-knit family of aunts, uncles, and cousins who lived nearby. She was a happy little girl who spoke both Italian and English at home but was shy and hardly spoke outside of her house. Can you imagine Nellie hardly speaking?

Nellie attended St. Patrick’s Grade School (on 14th & Center) before continuing her education at the newly built all-girls school, Mercy High. One thing Nellie loved about school was being taught by nuns. She adored them and always thought she might become a nun one day. However, during her junior year of high school, Nellie attended Boys Town dances, where she met Richard “Dick” Merrill, who was a grade ahead of her. Dick told Nellie he was going to marry her, but she replied, “I don’t think so—I’m going to be a nun.” Dick didn’t give up, and eventually, they began dating.

Two months after graduating high school, Nellie and Dick were married on July 7, 1956. One year later, they welcomed their first child, a son, Richard Joseph “Rick”, followed by daughters, Donna, Lynette, and Peggy. The Merrill family grew up in a small home on 18th and Center, where the children attended St. Joseph Grade School and Paul VI High School. Nellie was a homemaker while Dick worked two jobs to provide for the family. Nellie loved talking on the phone, drinking coffee, and, most of all, cleaning the house. Her hobbies included watching QVC, collecting dolls, reading romance novels, watching more QVC, and having Dick repaint the house a different color every other year.

As time passed, the kids grew up, got married, and started families of their own. Rick married Debbie Monzu, and they had four children: twins, Rick Jr. and Nicole, Tim, and Sam, later adopting Marty. Donna married Jerry Wellwood, and they had three sons: Jerry Jr., Jeff, and Mark. After many years, Donna remarried Gary Clawson. Lynette married Rick Incontro II, and they had three children: Rick III, Tony, and Grace. Peggy married Dan Kwasniewski, and they had two sons, Dan Jr. and Steve. Nellie and Dick were blessed with four children, 13 grandchildren, and 34 great-grandchildren, all of whom live in Omaha and the surrounding areas, except for one great-grandchild who resides in Texas.

Shortly after all the kids were married, Nellie and Dick moved to northwest Omaha. Dick continued working until retirement, while Nellie kept busy with her favorite pastimes—talking on the phone, drinking coffee, cleaning the house, and babysitting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Over their 68 years together, they enjoyed countless athletic games, dance recitals, holidays, weddings, births, birthdays, graduations, cookouts, and anniversaries.

Nellie began her long goodbye seven years ago. In addition to dementia, she faced other health challenges that were difficult for both her and her family. In December 2024, Nellie developed pneumonia, which caused a rapid decline in her overall health, especially with her dementia. In her final months, weeks, and days, she was surrounded by Dick and her family, who did everything they could to keep her comfortable. On her final day, Nellie passed away holding Dick’s hand, her eyes looking toward heaven. Peace at last.

The once shy little girl who hardly spoke became a woman who never met a stranger. She loved everyone and loved talking to them. Nellie’s warmth and kindness will be deeply missed but forever cherished by those who knew and loved her.

VIGIL SERVICE: Sunday, April 6, 2025, 3:00PM with VISITATION from 1:00PM-3:00PM at West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Monday, April 7, 2025, 10:00AM, Dowd Chapel, 13943 Dowd Drive Boys Town, NE.

INTERMENT: Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

To view live broadcasts of the Vigil Service and Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.

Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com