Merchant, 60 LEIPSIC - Margaret Combs Merchant, passed away at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, after a 13 year courageous battle with multiple health problems. She was the daughter of the late Robert and Mamie Nepa Combs of Wilmington. Margie graduated from Conrad High School in 1970. After starting a family, she returned to college and graduated from Delaware State University with degrees in Education and Physical Science. She was third in her class of 423. She taught for many years at DAPI in Camden, where she made a positive influence on her many students. Margie had a great love and understanding of the Bible. She enjoyed crafts and making items for family and friends. She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Larry; son, Robert and wife Jennifer, of Magnolia; daughter, Lisa Schmid of Las Vegas, Nev.; five grandchildren who she dearly loved, Samuel, Lydia, Luke, Vincent, and Thomas; her sister, Donna Harrington, of Wilmington; her brother, Robert Combs and wife Debbie, of Townsend; and a special cousin, Setta Bright and husband Ronnie of Bear. She loved her cats, Pookie, Boo Bear and Cubby . The family would like to thank the staff at Delaware Hospice and Pat Miller from Generations Home Care, who provided care for Margie for the last seven years. Viewing will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 26, 2012, at the Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden-Wyoming Ave., Wyoming, with a half hour service beginning at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Friday, July 27, 2012, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 631 S. State St., Dover. Burial will follow in Barratt's Chapel Cemetery, Frederica. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963 or to the funeral home to help defray expenses. Letters of condolences can be sent via www.pippinfuneralhome.com.