The sprightly centenarian has lived through a lot and recalls a time when sitting in front of a screen meant a trip to the theatre.
"Technology has come a long way," she says.
There are difficult memories too, the "sadness" of war - worry felt waiting for a message from husband Aubrey, who was away fighting in the Pacific.
"On rest periods he would manage to ring through to me and say a few words."
The couple met when she was working as a shorthand typist for Hannah's shoes in Wellington. They married in 1940.
When her husband returned from war, they moved to Hawke's Bay and bought a grocery dairy in Mahora, Hastings in 1946.
Linda, their only child, was born six years later.
After selling the shop they moved to Heathcote Rd, then settled into a property in Ngaio St, Mahora, where Mrs Merrall stayed right up until June this year. Her husband died in September, 1997.
For as long as possible she kept the lawn and garden, she was wonderful cook and baker, walked a lot and played indoor bowles which she continues into her 102nd year.
She says the recipe for longevity is simple: good food with few preservatives, the occasional treat and keeping fit -it's worked well so far.
"I'm lucky, I keep very well," she says.
When Mrs Merrall was born on September 13, 1913 -her mother was forced to travel from Gisborne to Wellington for delivery as the small town did not have a maternity unit - she did the same for younger sister Gwen, now 97.
