Staff photo by Dean Shalhoup Meri Goyette, the longtime Nashua arts patron who, with her husband Charles, has supported the arts for decades, listens to Mayor Jim Donchess congratulate her on the dedication Sunday of a new sculpture for which she and her husband commissioned Brookline sculptors John and Nadiya Weidman. The dedication took place at Nashua's Rotary Park.

NASHUA — Meri Goyette, who just this past spring ventured into the creative arm of the arts world after decades of tireless advocacy for, and generous support of, the local and regional arts community, died overnight at the Nashua home she and her late husband, Charles, built when they came to Nashua in the early 1950s.

She was 95, and had been in declining health in recent weeks, according to her family.

Funeral arrangements are pending. Preliminary indications are that a service will take place at Immaculate Conception Church in Nashua, followed by graveside services in her native Barre, Vermont.

Meri Goyette’s death came just two days before the third anniversary of the passing of her husband Charles, a well-known Nashua obstetrician-gynecologist who once estimated he delivered 10,000 babies in his 40-year career.

Born Mary Zanleoni in Barre, Goyette has said she adopted the spelling “Meri” because it was “unique.”

In addition to her husband of 72 years, Meri Goyette was also predeceased by a son, Robert, who died in March 1991.

She is survived by three daughters, Meri Reid, Carole Murphy and Robin Whitman; and two sons,

Charles Goyette and J. Goyette.

A full story is forthcoming at www.nashuatelegraph.com.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.

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