WATERVILLE – Myrtle Arnovitz “Myrt” Wolman, 96, passed away at her home on Dec. 30, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Sharon, Pa., on July 10, 1925, the daughter of Eva and William Arnovitz. She was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Gordon, her son, Alan, and her son-in-law, Stuart Merle. She is survived by her daughter, Gale Ann Merle, her son, Larry, and his wife, Nilda, who quickly became another daughter to her. She was Nana to Jeremy and Jessica Merle, Andrew and Martha Merle, and Sarah Wolman. She was the great-grandmother of Taylor, Bennett and Violet Merle. They all brought immense joy to her life. Myrt met Gordon at an Army picnic when he was stationed in Pennsylvania. After the war, they married and settled in Waterville. She was quickly welcomed by his large family and won over many relatives and friends with her outgoing demeanor and zest for socializing and entertaining. She became a leader in the community and joined many organizations and clubs, including the League of Women Voters, Educational Club, and the Historical Society, and she was a “Pink Lady” volunteer at Thayer Hospital. Beth Israel Synagogue, which was founded in part by the Wolman family, became an integral part of her life. She was on the synagogue board and served as president of the three women’s organizations, Sisterhood, B’nai Brith, and Hadassah. She continued this commitment well into her later years and participated in holiday observances and social functions there. Myrt created a special bond with people of all ages, ensuring that she inquire about their families and their well-being. A conversationalist extraordinaire, she was never at a loss for words! She had an open-door policy at her home and all who entered knew there wold always be treats of some kind when they visited. She felt that her long life was due to being essentially happy, and that happiness came from the extensive network of ongoing interactions within her social circle. This continued until the day she passed.Myrt was a member of the Waterville Country Club and an active golfer for many years, winning the President’s Cup one summer, to her surprise! She also took up skiing as a young adult and spent several winters on the Slopes of Sugarloaf Mountain. Many summers were spent at her nearby camp on Great Pond. Myrt had a stellar business mind and she had an appreciation for fine gifts. In the lower level of her home, she created “Myrt Wolman…speciality items,” a shop for specialized gift items, personalized stationery and invitations. Through word of mouth advertising, she developed a large following of customers who relied on her to recommend unusual and hard to find treasures. Myrt took the experience of owning her own business to work in the housewares and invitation department at Sterns Department Store. Many weddings began in her department, choosing just the right invitations to start on their wedding planning journeys.Myrt’s family was her true joy and she taught by example. Gatherings at her table were complete with comfort food made with love. She became the family historian by choice, eventually becoming the matriarch of the family. In her elder years, many would seek her out to listen to stories of times past and she would energetically and specifically weave her memories into presentations that held her listeners in awe. She will be remembered for her quick wit, keen intelligence (a nightly Jeopardy watcher for years), inclusive nature of everyone, surprisingly unsolicited joke telling and humor, high expectations that encouraged respect, and her love of family and community.Myrt’s family is indebted to the caretakers who became family. Their kindness and attentiveness will always be remembered.A family graveside funeral was held due to Covid restrictions. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Beth Israel Congregation,291 Main Street,Waterville, ME 04901,(bethisraelwaterville.org),The Waterville Historical Society,62 Silver Street,Waterville, ME 04901(watervillehistoricalsociety.org)or the charity of your choice.

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