Fukiko Merrill

Fukiko Aoki Merrill, 81, of Smith Hill Rd., Franklin, died peacefully at Franklin Regional Hospital on Wednesday, March 30, 2011. Fukiko, known to everyone as Kiko, was born in Tokyo, Japan on Feb. 5, 1930 to Fukukichi Sugimoto and Aiko Inoue. Upon the death of her father at an early age, she was adopted in 1935 by her aunt and uncle, Yoskitaka and Yea Aoki. She is survived by a brother, Akira Sugimoto and family as well as many cousins all in Japan. She married Robert Wallace, a soldier, in Japan and they moved back to his hometown of Franklin. Five years later he died. Kiko worked in the pet department at JJ Newberry's in Franklin while acquiring her American citizenship and at the same time earned the "Executive Secretary" diploma from Concord Commercial College. Upon graduation, she started work for the State of NH Dept. of Education in Concord, retiring 37 years later after holding several positions within the Dept. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Edmond G. Merrill. Together, they managed to run a small farm that was Kiko's pride and joy. She loved knitting, aerobics, gardening, and raising animals as well as participating in many State and regional agricultural fairs and events. Private family services and burial will be held in the spring at Franklin Cemetery. Thibault-Neun Funeral Home of Franklin is assisting with arrangements and messages of condolence may be offered at www.neunfuneralhomes.com