Marcia J. Merten

Marcia Jean (Donovan) Merten

On Friday, August 29, 2025, surrounded by her tribe, Marcia Merten of Hanover died peacefully after a quiet and courageous battle with cancer.

Marcia was born and raised in Weymouth, Massachusetts. As a graduate of Weymouth South High School, Class of 1980, she first pursued her creativity as a hair stylist. But Marcia’s true calling lay in caring for others. She went on to attend Massasoit School of Nursing, graduating in 1995, and embarked on a nursing career that spanned many avenues—working with Pediatric Services of America, South Shore Medical Associates, and, for the past 20 years, serving as a dedicated member of the IV team at Boston Medical Center. There, she played an instrumental role in programs for integrative medicine and addressing health disparities.

An avid traveler, Marcia spent years crisscrossing the globe to include places like, Egypt, Morocco, England, France and Portugal. She loved the beaches of Aruba and camping in the Vermont mountains.

At home, she was “Sha Sha”- the heart of her family. She was predeceased by her parents, James Donovan and Eleanor Verrington, and lives on through her daughters Taylor Polese and her husband Andrew of Kingston, Olivia Merten and her fiancé Sean Connolly of Hanover, and Danisha Merten of Bridgewater. She adored her granddaughters Lennie and Della Polese and cherished her nieces and nephews Melissa, Kennedy, Reese, and Cameron. She will be deeply missed by John Merten of Weymouth and her sisters, Susan Donovan of Weymouth, Janice Donovan of Hanover, Kathleen Marchese of Hanover, Judith Donovan of Kingston and many friends especially Arlene Viera of Hanson. Her beloved dogs, Brodie and Lily, were always by her side (unless looking for a snack) and they, too, will feel her absence.

Sha Sha was a matriarch of her tribe—the one who lit up campfires, always had a craft, filled holiday gatherings with fun, and turned ordinary days on the back deck into memories. She will be remembered for her humor, her fun-loving spirit, and the way she made everyone around her feel seen, valued, and deeply loved.

A private celebration of Marcia’s life will take place on October 4th.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to honor Marcia may be made to Born Free USA's Primate Sanctuary.