Frances A. Merra Frances A. Merra , 46, the only child of Frank Merra and Emily (Lupica) Merra, died Saturday, January 17, 2009 at the Beth Israel Medical Center in Boston after fighting breast cancer for many years. Born April 7, 1962 in Brockton and raised in Brockton, she was educated in the Brockton Public Schools and was a 1980 graduate of Brockton High School. She attended Stonehill College, graduating in 1984 with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. She later attended Bentley College, receiving a comprehensive certificate in Paralegal Studies and an advanced certificate in Business Related Law. Fran was employed at the law firm of Kopelman and Paige, P.C. in Boston for the past 9 years and was previously employed by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue for 13 years. When finally diagnosed in October of 2002, she underwent four surgeries, six months of intravenous chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation treatments over the course of the next eleven months. She returned to work on a part-time basis immediately thereafter. After an eighteen-month period, and now working full-time, she was told in February 2005 that the breast cancer was present in her liver and she began treatment for metastatic disease. When oral chemotherapy failed her, she underwent weekly intravenous chemotherapy treatments until it was no longer effective. It was also necessary to undergo injections after treatment to assist her white and red blood cells. She continued to work at home and in Boston including on treatment days whenever possible. She also took part in acupuncture in an effort to control the disease. Fran had been a vegetarian since 1987 and strongly supported organic and recycling alternatives wherever possible. She did not believe in wearing fur or leather. She also felt extremely hypocritical and guilty for undergoing any treatments that had been tested on animals. She should also be remembered for her acerbic wit and sense of humor, though she found none of this amusing. Finally, well known for her attention to detail, she wrote most of this obituary before her death, often writing in the early hours of the morning when she could not sleep. She is survived by her loving parents, Frank Merra and Emily (Lupica) Merra of Brockton, Brockton City Councilor/State Representative, Michael D. Brady, whom she loved, who was with her throughout the past 9 years, and with whom she attended high school and the B.B. Russell Elementary School; she is also survived by a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Known for her love of animals, she will be remembered for her particular love of rabbits. Her beloved pet rabbit Bella, who Michael brought to live with her shortly after her initial diagnosis, pre-deceased her, much to Fran's heartbreak. Funeral Information A funeral prayer service will be held in the Russell Pica Funeral Home, 165 Belmont St., Brockton on Wednesday, January 21st at 11:00AM. Private cremation will follow. Calling hours in the Russell Pica Funeral Home Tuesday 4:00-8:00PM.