Mary L. Merlo

Mary T. Merlo, a longtime resident of Bangor, died peacefully with loved ones at her side at Phoebe Home in Allentown on Thursday, September 21, 2023. She was the loving spouse of the late Andrew Merlo. Mary was born on October 27, 1927 in Brooklyn, NY, a daughter of the late William and Mary (Gatje) Ruschmeier, and eventually moved to Pennsylvania where she met her husband. Mary was also predeceased by her brothers William and John Ruschmeier, her sister Irene Kuranda, niece Veronica Ruschmeier, and nephews William and Peter Ruschmeier. Mary was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt. Nothing was more important to her than caring for and being with her family. Even into her 90s, Mary looked forward to events, and traveled by whatever means necessary to attend graduations and weddings, or to visit family for vacation. She was a sewing machine operator in blouse mills for 20 years, first at Chi-Chi Fashions, and then Maria Rose before working as a dental assistant at Bangor dental. She most enjoyed her work as a volunteer at Lehigh Valley Hospital Muhlenberg, where she worked in ASU until 2019. Even during her time at Phoebe, she continued to take care of others. Mary will be lovingly remembered by her children Charles (Lori) of Gales Ferry, CT, John (Kristin) of Little Rock, AR, Vicki Guzzo of Selinsgrove, Kathleen Merlo (Dan) of Puerto Rico, and Mary Katona (Joe) of Macungie; grandchildren Eric Merlo, Rebecca Smith, Andrea Dougherty, Elizabeth Foulk, Jessica Messler, Zachary Ilisevich, Jeffrey Merlo, Providence Ilisevich, Natalie Merlo, Simon Ilisevich, and Andrew Merlo; great-grandchildren Johnnie and Gino Merlo, Morgan and Mila Smith, Tessa Jo Dougherty, Cecilia and Michael Foulk, and Addison and Sydney Messler; and nieces Alice Love, Cathy Renuart, Irene Ruschmeier, and Dori Ruschmeier, and nephew Stephen Ruschmeier. Viewing will be from 6:00-8:00 PM on Monday, September 25 at Fiore Funeral Home in Bangor, and funeral mass be at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, September 26 at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Pen Argyl, with a viewing in the church preceding the mass from 9:15-10:15 AM. Burial will be in the New Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Roseto. Online condolences may be offered at www.fiorefuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Amber Louise Elchert Foundation, or to the Dementia Society of America. Fiore Funeral Home 610-588-223 jfiore@epix.net

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Mary L. Merlo

October 27, 1927 - September 21, 2023