MaryAnn Merkel, age 83, passed away April 22, 2021 at Monmouth Medical Center after valiantly battling a complex illness. She was born October 12, 1937 in Bronx, NY to Paul J. and Rose A. Szeles. She was first married to Arthur M. Terry (20 yrs). She would eventually find and marry her soul mate, Matthew A. Merkel (44 yrs) in October of 1977.
MaryAnn loved being a homemaker and caring for her family. Her home was always open to loved ones in need. She was known for her love of cooking, baking and keeping things tidy. She was an avid reader and fan of Stephen King novels. She also enjoyed traveling with the family. Some of her favorite locations were Salem, MA, Niagara Falls, Canada, and Atlantic City, NJ. It also became a wedding anniversary tradition for her and Matthew to make the October visit to her childhood home in Cooperstown, NY. It was her favorite time of year and she would enjoy reminiscing about her youth among the Autumn leaves.
She had many different places of residence over the years, including the Bronx, Cooperstown, Staten Island, Washington D.C., Keyport, W. Keansburg, Holmdel, Hazlet, and Keansburg. She then settled with Matthew in Long Branch. She was a member of the Raritan Road Runners MC and the Long Branch Police Wives Association. She was also a parishoner of St. Michaels’ Church in Long Branch.
MaryAnn is predeceased by Arthur M. Terry and their children, Linda and Kenneth. She is also predeceased by her parents Paul and Rose, her sister Carol, her in-laws Arthur and Mary Merkel, and her pet dog, Gypsy.
She is survived by her husband Matthew A. Merkel (LBPD, retired); son Christopher and his wife Victoria; grandchildren Daniel, Tara and her husband Damien, Matthew and his wife Felecia, and Erich; great-grandchildren McKenna, Calvin, Tristan and Oliver; siblings Peter and his wife Patricia, and Paul; many nieces and nephews; friends Jim and Terri; and their Jack Russel Terrier, Coco. She loved them all.
Please join us celebrating her life Monday, April 26, 2021 from 4 – 8pm at Damiano Funeral Home, 191 Franklin Avenue, Long Branch. Funeral service Tuesday, April 27th, 9:30am at the funeral home followed by a 10:30am Mass officiated by Father John Butler at St. Michael’s Church, 800 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch. Church services will be followed by an entombment at 11:45am at Woodbine Cemetery & Mausoleum, Oceanport. The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by selecting the Tribute/Guestbook link above.
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