To all the dearest friends and family members who have reached out since October 2022 to convey their condolences and share many of the wonderful memories they have of both my mother and father, we all thank you. I was moved by the many who attended the memorial mass on January 14, 2023, your presence honored us and of course your love for my mother was overwhelming.  I am working with a video choreographer and will soon post selections from the service, eulogies, music arrangements for those who wish to revisit mothers celebration of a long and well lived life. Also a means for the many who were unable to make it to Manhattan and wish to view portions of the service. Mother was known for devout faith, her belief of reuniting in God's Kingdom with Dad, her parents, Aunt Winnie, Uncle Pierre, so many of the faithful departed whom she knew would welcome her home. For most everyone Mother was known by the loving moniker Bayard and Merrill. After dad's death in 2020, mother still referenced herself as Bayard and Merrill. It was a love story that was timeless. She often said she could not wait until she was called home and back in Big Bay's arms. They were fortunate, in the love they shared and the love they gave in return. As we tackle the stacks of boxes, we find that each is full of images, cards, letters of their life. So many of the images bring back forgotten memories, however, the memories of her love for us and the happy life she provided needs no image, it is forever held in our hearts.

Thank you for sharing your memories of Mother . 

Electra

Merrill Electra Havemeyer Cushing duPont.

She was known as Merrill duPont; she died at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Mrs. duPont found paradise on Marco Island, Flordia. In 1990, Mrs. duPont purchased the Penthouse, two full floors overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and Marco Island. It was said that Mrs. duPont was not fond of heights. When asked why she purchased the top two floors of 29 story tower, She would reply I had not realized this until after moving in, and it wasn't easy to move out right away; I avoided the wraparound terrace. Mrs. duPont was a devoted horticulturist whose love of Orchids led her to construct a 4000-square-foot greenhouse on the southeast corner of her magnificent Marco Island Penthouse. Enclosing a section of her terrace that overlooked the Gulf of Mexico. Roberto  Rodiguez was Mrs. duPont's Plantsman for over 26 years, caring alongside Mrs. duPont and two other full-time gardeners, maintaining nearly 45,000 potted orchids, many 15 to 20 years old. Mr. Rodiguez was quoted as saying, "Mrs. duPont would telephone every few days to check on the orchids when away; it was her love"  Mrs. duPont also resided in The Brandywine Valley of Delaware and a cooperative apartment on Fifth Avenue on Manhattan's upper east side, a home in Pebble Beach, California and a cottage in the Adirondacks on the duPont Camp, and a beach house in Mill Reef, Antigua.

Mr. and Mrs. duPont, for many years, lived in the Penthouse of the Sherry Netherland Hotel. Selling the Penthouse in the mid-1980s and moving into 960 Fifth Avenue. Mrs. duPont visited her Manhattan address frequently, said her daughter adding, "Mother adored to shop, especially during the holidays.". However, her daughter said she found her love of the Gulf of Mexico intoxicating. Mrs. duPont was educated at Bennett School for Girls, later Bennett College, in Millbrook, NY. Mrs. duPont was active in many charitable causes over her lifetime. A generous philanthropist,  She was an avid golfer and enjoyed traveling the world. Mrs. duPont was a member of the Mill Reef Club, The Bailey Beach Club, The Maidstone, Old Collier, Southampton Bathing Corporation, Pebble Beach Club, The Colony, and Bath and Tennis Club in Palm Beach. Mrs. duPont was a widow; her husband, Bayard Pierre duPont, predeceased her. Her son and two daughters survived her. Private  Burial Services were held in Wilmington, Delaware, in November 2022. A Funeral Mass and celebration of her life was held at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola on Park Avenue in Manhattan on January 14, 2023. With a reception at The Colony Club following the Catholic Mass. 

Mrs. duPont was the only child of Andrew Havemeyer and Patricia Hobby Havemeyer, who predeceased her. In addition to Mr. Rodiquiez, Mrs. duPont was well cared for during the last 20 years by Laverne Sheffield, Maria Garcia, Mae Jackson, and Leo Washington. The family extends their appreciation and love to each of these devoted employees, who were part of the family. 

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