Famous for her party exits, Serena M. Hatch, ("Bambi") left us peacefully on April 12, 2023 at the age of 95. Described by her grandchildren as indomitable, sassy, sharp, witty and one-of-a-kind, Serena Merck was born on January 21st, 1928 in New Jersey. She graduated from Barnard College in 1951 and married Francis W. Hatch, Jr. in 1952.
An avid reader with a keen mind, she went on to study horticulture, earning a Certificate in Landscape Design at Harvard. She and two friends incorporated Green Exteriors, creating and improving gardens up and down the East Coast.
Bambi served on the boards of Pine Manor College, the Center for Blood Research, the John Merck Fund, and in 2002, launched the Rx Foundation which seeks to advance health justice in communities across the United States. Her philanthropy was as bold as her character. She gave generously to leaders in medicine, women's reproductive rights, the environment, farmland preservation, urban parks, the right to die, democracy protection, and to political candidates in support of these causes, regardless of party.
Bambi loved interesting conversation and laughter. Her presence always assured a spirited dialogue with unexpected outcomes. Even though she was often the first to leave the dinner table - or turn up the heat so her guests would take the hint - she loved nothing more than understanding what made people tick. A talented, untrained cook, she set the stage for memorable, fun evenings at her table.
Bambi loved horses, tennis, and golf, competing throughout her life. But she never took any of it seriously. She saw sports as a way to enjoy the landscape and be outdoors where she was most comfortable.
Bambi leaves behind her daughters Trina H. Whitridge (Fred) and Olivia H. Farr (John); her sons Whitney Hatch (Tizzy) and George Hatch (Marina); her step-son, Timothy Allison-Hatch (Susan); thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, George and Serena Merck; her husband of 58 years; her sister, Judith M. Buechner; her brother, John H.C. Merck; and a grandchild, Caldy Whitridge.
An avid reader with a keen mind, she went on to study horticulture, earning a Certificate in Landscape Design at Harvard. She and two friends incorporated Green Exteriors, creating and improving gardens up and down the East Coast.
Bambi served on the boards of Pine Manor College, the Center for Blood Research, the John Merck Fund, and in 2002, launched the Rx Foundation which seeks to advance health justice in communities across the United States. Her philanthropy was as bold as her character. She gave generously to leaders in medicine, women's reproductive rights, the environment, farmland preservation, urban parks, the right to die, democracy protection, and to political candidates in support of these causes, regardless of party.
Bambi loved interesting conversation and laughter. Her presence always assured a spirited dialogue with unexpected outcomes. Even though she was often the first to leave the dinner table - or turn up the heat so her guests would take the hint - she loved nothing more than understanding what made people tick. A talented, untrained cook, she set the stage for memorable, fun evenings at her table.
Bambi loved horses, tennis, and golf, competing throughout her life. But she never took any of it seriously. She saw sports as a way to enjoy the landscape and be outdoors where she was most comfortable.
Bambi leaves behind her daughters Trina H. Whitridge (Fred) and Olivia H. Farr (John); her sons Whitney Hatch (Tizzy) and George Hatch (Marina); her step-son, Timothy Allison-Hatch (Susan); thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, George and Serena Merck; her husband of 58 years; her sister, Judith M. Buechner; her brother, John H.C. Merck; and a grandchild, Caldy Whitridge.
Famous for her party exits, Serena M. Hatch, ("Bambi") left us peacefully on April 12, 2023 at the age of 95. Described by her grandchildren as indomitable, sassy, sharp, witty and one-of-a-kind, Serena Merck was born on January 21st, 1928 in New Jersey. She graduated from Barnard College in 1951 and married Francis W. Hatch, Jr. in 1952.
An avid reader with a keen mind, she went on to study horticulture, earning a Certificate in Landscape Design at Harvard. She and two friends incorporated Green Exteriors, creating and improving gardens up and down the East Coast.
Bambi served on the boards of Pine Manor College, the Center for Blood Research, the John Merck Fund, and in 2002, launched the Rx Foundation which seeks to advance health justice in communities across the United States. Her philanthropy was as bold as her character. She gave generously to leaders in medicine, women's reproductive rights, the environment, farmland preservation, urban parks, the right to die, democracy protection, and to political candidates in support of these causes, regardless of party.
Bambi loved interesting conversation and laughter. Her presence always assured a spirited dialogue with unexpected outcomes. Even though she was often the first to leave the dinner table - or turn up the heat so her guests would take the hint - she loved nothing more than understanding what made people tick. A talented, untrained cook, she set the stage for memorable, fun evenings at her table.
Bambi loved horses, tennis, and golf, competing throughout her life. But she never took any of it seriously. She saw sports as a way to enjoy the landscape and be outdoors where she was most comfortable.
Bambi leaves behind her daughters Trina H. Whitridge (Fred) and Olivia H. Farr (John); her sons Whitney Hatch (Tizzy) and George Hatch (Marina); her step-son, Timothy Allison-Hatch (Susan); thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, George and Serena Merck; her husband of 58 years; her sister, Judith M. Buechner; her brother, John H.C. Merck; and a grandchild, Caldy Whitridge.
An avid reader with a keen mind, she went on to study horticulture, earning a Certificate in Landscape Design at Harvard. She and two friends incorporated Green Exteriors, creating and improving gardens up and down the East Coast.
Bambi served on the boards of Pine Manor College, the Center for Blood Research, the John Merck Fund, and in 2002, launched the Rx Foundation which seeks to advance health justice in communities across the United States. Her philanthropy was as bold as her character. She gave generously to leaders in medicine, women's reproductive rights, the environment, farmland preservation, urban parks, the right to die, democracy protection, and to political candidates in support of these causes, regardless of party.
Bambi loved interesting conversation and laughter. Her presence always assured a spirited dialogue with unexpected outcomes. Even though she was often the first to leave the dinner table - or turn up the heat so her guests would take the hint - she loved nothing more than understanding what made people tick. A talented, untrained cook, she set the stage for memorable, fun evenings at her table.
Bambi loved horses, tennis, and golf, competing throughout her life. But she never took any of it seriously. She saw sports as a way to enjoy the landscape and be outdoors where she was most comfortable.
Bambi leaves behind her daughters Trina H. Whitridge (Fred) and Olivia H. Farr (John); her sons Whitney Hatch (Tizzy) and George Hatch (Marina); her step-son, Timothy Allison-Hatch (Susan); thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, George and Serena Merck; her husband of 58 years; her sister, Judith M. Buechner; her brother, John H.C. Merck; and a grandchild, Caldy Whitridge.
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