Strafford, NH

Merle "Merrie" W. (Wallash) Birnbaum, age 69 of Second Crown Point Rd Strafford, NH died on June 2, 2020 in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family after a courageous battle against Glioblastoma.

Born April 8, 1951 in Philadelphia, PA, a daughter of Joseph Paul Wallash and Christine Gertrude (Rintye) Wallash. She graduated from Kutztown University with a BS degree in Special Ed Visually Impaired.

Her primary loves were her children and grandchildren. Her last job was in Alaska traveling to remote villages to support various education programs. She enjoyed traveling and made it to 48 out of the 50 states. While living on a lake in the Adirondack park, in upstate New York, she kayaked every morning and allowed her husband to guide the boat while she caught all of the fish. Gardening took up the remaining warm months. Cross Country skiing and snowshoeing were her outdoor winter activities and indoors were sewing, quilting and painting.

Merrie is wife of David Birnbaum, and is survived by their three children: Douglas A. and wife Kate E. Birnbaum, Adam Birnbaum, and Rachel L. Blonigen and husband Matt R. Blonigen. There are 4 grandsons Jayden R. Birnbaum, Lucas D. Birnbaum, Mathias S. Blonigen and David R. Blonigen, also her sister Susan Bowen and brother Joseph Wallash and her many nieces, nephews, and many cousins and wonderful friends.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday June 20, 2020, 10am, at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish, 189 North Main St. Rochester, NH. Reception to follow at Nippo Lake Golf Course, 88 Stagecoach Rd. Barrington, NH from 1pm-3pm. Masks are required for church and reception hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to he Seacoast Cancer Center, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, 789 Central Ave. Dover NH 03820. To express condolences, please visit: www.peasleefuneralhome.com