Fran Merchant of St. Johnsbury passed away Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016, after suffering a heart attack the previous day. She was a loving mother and wife who thoroughly enjoyed helping others. She was born in Lyndon Center, Vermont to Leo and Mildred (Currier) Brown, on Nov. 30, 1935. She had three older brothers. Carlton and Edwin both predeceased her. Elmer Brown and his wife Bertha reside in Thetford Center. Fran was very proud of having become a professional cook for the U.S. Air Force, as a civilian. Throughout the years, she worked a myriad of jobs. She enjoyed meeting new people and learning new skills. Fran received the Unsung Hero's Award for her many contributions to the Kingdom Community Services Food Shelf. She was an active and supportive member of the former South Congregational Church. Fran is survived by her husband, Theron "Ted" Merchant of St. Johnsbury; one son, The Rev. Leo C. Merchant and wife Debbie of Springfield, Ohio; one daughter, Eva Hamilton and husband Terry of Thunder Bay, Ontario; two grandchildren, Melinda Sanborn and husband Brian; and Craig Merchant; along with two great-grandchildren, Dante and Elizabeth Sanborn. Visiting hours will be held at the Sayles Funeral Home Saturday evening, Aug. 13th, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the South Congregational Church on Sunday, Aug. 14th, at 11:30 a.m. Her former longtime pastor, the Rev. Stephen Winkler, will officiate at the service. Burial will be held privately at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Kingdom Community Services, PO Box 735, St. Johnsbury VT 05819.