Linda Louise (“LInda Lou”) Mermer, our beautiful mother, “Hun”, Nana, grandma, sister, cousin, aunt, and friend, was lifted into the arms of our loving Jesus Saturday, January 29, 2022.
Linda Lou was born February 6, 1940, in Pittsburgh, PA to Donald and Dorothy Van Asdale.
She was the baby sister to Carol and from then on, the sisters were known as “the girls”. Linda spent her childhood in Peters Township, a rural area south of Pittsburgh. She went to a one room schoolhouse, displaying her unique talent for friendship early on, making many lasting friends in grade and high schools.
She attended the Polish church in Canonsburg, PA, and every Sunday, when the nun did roll call, Van Asdale, Linda became Van Asdella, Linda, the Dutch name not translating so neatly to Polish. That was just fine with Linda, because she could not understand Sunday school anyway, as lessons, too, were in Polish. What Linda missed in catechism she made up for in spades in a life of spirit, faith, and prayer.
Linda was a natural and patient teacher, a trait with lifelong payoffs for family and friends. In fact, she used to love playing school with her dolls until she gave it up at 12, when she was teased as “too old.” Linda herself excelled in classroom academics, and beyond. When the family moved to the big city, Mansfield, Ohio, Linda joined the Tygers Cheering Team and Y-Teens.
Her pretty smile caught the eye of many to her delight, especially one man in particular, who would later come to adore her~ Jack Mermer, her upbeat, positive, passionate spouse of nearly 50 years. In his own words, some of his last, Jack said:”I didn’t fare so badly. Hey, I got the girl.” The pair married in Mansfield in 1961, launching a marriage memorable for its love, joy, humor, firm resolve, and joint commitment to spread Christian kindness to all who crossed their paths. Together, they raised five children, coached multiple teams, and led numerous Catholic retreats such as Cursillo, teen retreats, and marriage encounters. But the Mermer generosity of spirit was probably most evident in daily acts of kindness. Linda and Jack opened their doors to all—disabled children from nearby Sunshine, struggling families, friends in need of an ear and cheer, and neighborhood Maumee kids galore, so many in fact, Linda took to locking up the snacks so she would have the goods to make school lunches.
Linda’s choice to answer the call to nursing was a natural fit. She graduated from Mercy School of Nursing (Toledo) in 1961 and subsequently worked for 35 years in direct patient care. She also worked in the area of chemical dependency, and upon retiring, as a Hospice Volunteer. Her nursing pals were among her most cherished chums.
Despite Linda’s hard work and demanding dual mom/nurse career, she pursued fun with relish. She was an artist and an accomplished dancer. She was a true Italian Phile, adoring the food, wine and scenery, and made many visits in her later years, particularly to Pienza in Tuscany. But her favorite place on earth, aside from wherever her family was, was Hawaii, its wide ocean and beaches beckoning her adventurous spirit. This is where she developed her love of sea turtles. She made many memorable trips with Jack and friends.
Linda’s children would like you to remember their mom as someone who listened without judgment; encouraged the best in them and taught them to love unconditionally. They would like you to call to mind her compassion, deep faith, and love of animals and nature. They want you to know her desire to cherish moments with family and friends, as more is never promised.
They want you to know how much they will miss Linda’s quirky sense of humor, bringing laughter because what she said was so often unexpected. That said, some of Linda’s last, most oftspoken, words were entirely expected and consistent with her beautiful life: “I see everything” she said, “through the eyes of love”
Left to cherish her memories are her four children, David (Rebecca) Mermer, Suzie (Brian) Miller, Sally (Thom) Singer, and Matt Mermer, sister, Carol McNair, 14 grandchildren (Olivia, CJ, Frances, Tiffany, Jeremey (deceased), John, Skyler, Austin, Caleb, Lilly, Anika, Kira, Gunner, and Kinley), and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Jack; and daughter Heidi.
There will be a Visitation at Walker Funeral Home (5155 W. Sylvania) on Tuesday, February 8th from 2-6, with a Memorial Service from 6-7pm. In lieu of flowers, please send any memorial contributions to Cherry Street Mission Ministries or The Toledo Area Humane Society.
Walker Funeral Home
Walker Funeral Home
Walker Funeral Home
Livestream
Livestream service.
Visits: 3
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors