Merrilee Wickstrom Kullman

Merrilee Wickstrom Kullman, born in New Orleans on February 24th, 1945, passed away peacefully in New Orleans on March 10, 2025 after a long and sometimes feisty battle with dementia. Merrilee was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frederick S. Kullman (Freddy).

She is survived by her children Hillary Wickstrom Gage, Amy Yildizli (Turgay), Josh Gage (Jessica Pullano), and her daughter in spirit, Katharine Archer, along with her grandchildren Imogen Archer Walker, Juliet Archer Walker, Aiden Gage, Grace Gage, and Josephine Gage. Merrilee is also survived by her sister, Cynthia Wright, and her brother, Charles Wickstrom (Elizabeth Joyce). Merrilee also had a special place in her heart for her nephew, Marc Wright, who lovingly cared for her when she needed help, a bond that remained strong until his passing in 2022. She also adored her nephew David Wright and his family, who were an important part of her life. Merrilee's family was extensive. She was warmly welcomed and deeply cherished by the Kullman family, becoming an integral part of their lives after her marriage to Freddy. She leaves behind beloved sister and brother in laws and step-nieces and nephew.

Merrilee attended Isidore Newman School in New Orleans and All Saints College in Vicksburg, Mississippi graduating in 1964, where she formed lifelong friendships with classmates. Once you were in her circle, you were in for life. She valued her friends as much as her family, and her loyalty was unmatched.

After earning a degree in physical therapy from Oklahoma University, Merrilee was a lifelong Boomer Sooner, even nicknaming her son “Boomer” (a moniker he quickly outgrew).

Merrilee’s life was a beautiful blend of love, laughter, and plenty of delicious food (just never canned peas). She was an amazing cook and baker, known far and wide for her famous pecan pie. She and Freddy hosted legendary Christmas parties where she made bread, pies, gumbo, and soups, all from scratch, ensuring everyone left with a full belly and a smile.

A lover of dance, Merrilee loved ballroom dancing, a passion she shared with her mother, she loved tap dancing and even taught Jazzercise. In Bellingham, she and her neighbors on High Noon Road embraced clogging, practicing, performing, and laughing through the whole process. Merrilee’s love of music was constant. She instilled a love of music in her children and took them all to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, a tradition that lives on. She was a lifelong fan of Irma Thomas, adored Jimmy Buffett, and was a true Parrot Head. In the 1980s, she and her sister Cynthia hosted unforgettable boat drink parties, always with great tunes and plenty of laughter. Her love of ice cream was as strong as her love for music, until the end she never turned down a scoop.

Merrilee had a deep passion for travel and explored the world extensively. She climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, hot air ballooned in Turkey, safaried in Africa, biked through Italy, rode the train across Europe, danced in Argentina, Heli hiked the Canadian Rockies (twice) and enjoyed many other places, always eager for her next adventure. Despite her global adventures, she always held a special place in her heart for her roots in Nebraska. She frequently traveled back to visit cousins, keeping those family connections close throughout her life.

Gardening was a huge and important part of Merrilee’s life. When she wasn’t out in her own garden, she was an avid Master Gardener, even serving as President of the Master Gardeners of Whatcom County. Merrilee also dedicated much of her time to volunteering and helping others, the Bellingham Women's shelter held a special place in her heart.

Merrilee’s spirit of joy, generosity, and fun will live on in the many lives she touched. She leaves behind a legacy of love, and laughter. In the immortal words of Jimmy Buffet “some of it’s magic, some of it’s tragic, but I had a good life all the way.”

To all the wonderful individuals who cared for Merrilee, the family offers heartfelt thanks. Your presence brought her comfort and joy, making these years so much more bearable. We are eternally grateful.

A celebration of life is planned for Wednesday April 30, 2025 from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm at the Audubon Park Clubhouse.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be sent to your local women’s shelter or Planned Parenthood in her name.