Eileen J. Merz, 1932-2019

Suzie, who went by the childhood nickname that stuck, was born June 19, 1932, to Elmer J. and Mary Berger. The youngest of six children, she graduated from South High School and was a lifelong resident of the area.

Her husband, William F. Merz Jr., whom she married in 1957, passed away in 1995. They had four children.

A 40-year charter member of Christ U.P. Church, she served in a variety of roles and raised her children to know the love of God. She transferred her church membership after her husband died to First Presbyterian Church of Mineral Ridge, where she made many new church friends.

Suzie loved to drive her car, a passion she developed as a young woman working as a teletype operator for the Western Union and while traveling around Ohio. Quite the social butterfly, she was a member of Red Hats, Knit Wits and several card clubs. She loved to play Scrabble and Yahtzee, watch Jeopardy and go to the casino. She also enjoyed watching professional sports on television and could often be heard cheering loudly for her teams. She appreciated the life God gave her, through its ups and downs, and never lost her zest for life or her ability to laugh. She was very generous with her children, grandchildren and her church. Suzie said the more she gave away, the more God gave her back.

Suzie leaves four children to cherish memories of her, Suzanne (Ken) McCabe, William F. III, John (Bill Starkowski), and James (Sharri) Merz. She also leaves five grandchildren, Staci, John Patrick, Jamie, Michael and Teddy; and two great-grandchildren, Ryan and Allison. She was close with a number of nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews, who fondly referred to her as “The Matriarch.”

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019, at the First Presbyterian Church of Mineral Ridge.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, at Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, at the church.

The family would like to thank the nurses and aides at Antonine Village for their tender loving care. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that tributes be made to the Memorial Fund of the First Presbyterian Church of Mineral Ridge.

(special notice)