Merrily J. O'Hara

Merrily J. O’Hara

February 17, 1939 – May 13, 2026

Bowie, Maryland

On May 13, 2026, Merrily O’Hara passed away peacefully, surrounded by family in her home in Bowie. Merrily was born February 17, 1939 in Anne Arbor, Michigan. When she was six, her family moved to Tucson, Arizona. It was there, that she later met, fell in love with and married John O’Hara. Merrily, John and their first son, Tim moved to New Jersey in 1960, where their second son, Robin was born. They moved to Bowie in 1963, and their daughter Heather was born in 1975. Merrily was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and invested much of her time in her family’s interests.

During her 63 years in Bowie, Merrily enjoyed many activities, including ice skating with the Bowie Figure Skating Club, oil painting, long distance running (including six marathons), teaching yoga and sewing classes and volunteering with the St Pius X Church Sodality.

A skilled crafter, Merrily initiated and taught an art class with a friend at St Pius X School for several years. She loved creating various items such as greeting cards, dolls and holiday decorations. She was an avid seamstress who made many ice-skating costumes, a prom dress and wedding dress for her daughter and loved participating in group activities like Wearable Arts. She was a member of the American Sewing Guild and Bowie Homemakers where she made lifelong friends.

She and John shared a remarkable love and partnership that endured throughout their lives. Merrily dedicated many hours to nonsmokers’ rights alongside John, serving as a founding member of the Bowie Group Against Smokers’ Pollution and conducting smoking cessation clinics and fundraisers. She especially enjoyed ice skating, attending sporting events, and traveling the world with John.

Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life. She was always there to listen and extend a helping hand to her children. As a devoted grandmother, she cherished creating special memories with her grandchildren through crafts, baking, adventures and time spent together.

She treasured her friends and loved going out for meals, plays, movies, concerts and other outings with them and their families.

Merrily is survived by her son Tim and his wife Colleen, her daughter Heather Tawney and her husband Jason, granddaughters Katie (Matt) Kerrigan and Christine (Eugene) Shuttle, grandsons Timothy O’Hara and AJ O’Hara, and great granddaughters Lucy and Ava. She is also survived by nieces, great nieces and nephews.

Her husband, John; son, Robin O’Hara; mother Frieda Hoppe; father Harold Hoppe; older brother, Harry Hoppe; sister-in-law Shirley Hoppe and sister-in-law Ida Mary Gouker preceded her in death.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Merrily’s honor to Hospice of Chesapeake.