PORTLAND – Sara Dayton Merryman of Harpswell passed away on July 27, 2026, at the age of 54, surrounded by her family and in the arms of her loving husband.

Born on Feb. 26, 1972, Sara grew up on Bailey Island with her parents, Harold and Cathy Dayton, and sisters Amy and Jenny, and graduated from Mt. Ararat High School in 1990.

Sara was the beloved wife of Jim Merryman of Harpswell. Sara and Jim were high school sweethearts, married for 34 years, together for 40. Sara spent much of her early years on his lobster boat, the Sara Bev. Sara would happily join Jim on the boat lobstering, tuna fishing or just for a ride. Sara was the love of Jim’s life. They were married on Dec. 5,1992.

She was the proud, loving mother of Olivia, Emily, and Hunter, as well as the adoring grandmother to Mia and Gunner. Her greatest joy in life was being a wife and mother. This joy only grew when she became a grandmother. She was incredibly proud to be able to support her family in any way she could. In the words of Sara’s children, it was a blessing to be raised by such an amazing woman.

To know Sara was to love her, for her kindness, her warmth, her quick wit, and her wicked sense of humor that could brighten even the darkest moments. She loved her family deeply and was always there to lend a helping hand to any and all that were in need.

Sara enjoyed a full life despite any challenges she faced; she spent time with family, friends, and loved ones, dedicated much of her time to loving and supporting her children, grandchildren, and nephews, and was never one to decline a visitor, expected or unexpected. She could often be found cheering on her children and family, whether that be on the hockey rink, softball field, hauling lobsters traps, catching tuna, while they studied, or on their many hunting trips. She loved many and was loved by many more, all of whom will feel the depth of her absence.

Sara was a vital part of Potts Harbor Lobster, a business that Sara and Jim built together over the years. While Sara wasn’t the one out on the water she was a big part of the lobstering community. She will be truly missed within many fishing families.

Sara is survived by her husband, Jim; and children Olivia Merryman, Emily Merryman Parlin and husband Riley Parlin, Hunter Merryman and wife Morgan Ruff Merryman; her grandchildren Mia Scott and Gunner Merryman; her mother, Cathy; her sisters Amy Dayton Blair and husband Stephen, Jenny Dayton Fullerton and husband James; and her nephews Morgan Blair, Benjamin Blair, and Jacob Fullerton.

Sara was predeceased by her father, Harold Dayton Jr., as well as her son-in-law, Tanner Scott.

The family would like to add a special note of thanks to the staff at Maine Medical Center for their excellent care and compassion for Sara and the family in her final days.

Friends and family are invited to visit 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, at the Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal St., Brunswick. A service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Elijah Kellogg Congregational Church in Harpswell. Memories and condolences can be shared at http://www.brackettfh.com