Obituary of Elizabeth M. Merkel

Merkel, Elizabeth M. of Rochester, NY passed away on Sunday, February 12, 2023.  Elizabeth was pre-deceased by her husband, James R Merkel. Mrs. Merkel is survived by her children, Leeanne (Paul)Andrews, Kevin (Molly) and Keith (Christine)Merkel. Grandchildren, Britainny (Kyle) Andrews, Mackenzie, Ella, AJ, Evan and Kaiden Merkel. Devoted Companion, John Denninger, whom she shared a committment ceremony on February 14, 2018.  Cousin, Thomas (Mary Ellen) Judson. 

Elizabeth was born on April 23, 1937 in Chicago. Ill. to the late, Burton and Elizabeth (Goff) McCumber. Elizabeth received her Bachelor’s degree in teaching from Syracuse University. Elizabeth married her college sweetheart, James Merkel on July 1, 1961 in Washington, DC.  Elizabeth went to work at East High School and then went to East Irondequoit Central School District and retired in 1993 with 30 years of dedicated services.  Elizabeth was a member of the Resurrection Lutheran and Transfiguration Lutheran Churches.  Elizabeth was also an active member of the Red Hat Society and her Sorority, Gamma Phi Beta at SU.  She loved animals and was always feeding and nurturing both domestic and wild animals in her neighborhood.  Elizabeth loved to go dancing, hear live music, attend theatres and festivals.  In recent years she was a devoted member of the lifespan Lily Café seniors group at the Maplewood YMCA.  But she cherished the time she spent with her family.

 Friends are invited to meet the family on Sunday, February 19, 2023 from 4 to 6PM at the funeral home (570 Kings Highway So.). Memorial Service will follow calling hours and begin at 6PM.  Interment will take place in Irondequoit Cemetery at the convenience of the family.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Humane Society or the Kidney Foundation in Elizabeth’s memory.