MaryAnne (Lawrence) Merlo

MaryAnne Merlo, 82, of Lopatcong, NJ, formerly of Irvington, NJ, died December 24, 2016 peacefully in her sleep.

Born November 20, 1934 in Newark, NJ and raised in Irvington, NJ, she was a daughter of the late Michael and Bessie (Kohlar) Lawrence.

She graduated from Irvington High School and her life long career was with NJ Transit Rail.

Her interests included dancing, singing, skiing, cooking and swimming.  Her passion was to travel and she always found her way to Florida. She especially enjoyed sharing time with her great grandchildren. They were the sunshine in her life.

She was a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses, Cream Ridge, NJ.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Merlo; her daughter Gloria Merlo and son Ronald Merlo. Survivors include her granddaughter, Barbara Gulick and her husband Dan, of Stewartsville, NJ; two great grandchildren, Douglas and Ashley; and siblings, Betty Latham, Shirley Kroeger, Michael Lawrence, John Lawrence and Margaret Turkenkopf along with many nieces, nephews and a host of long-time friends.

Friends and family are invited to a gathering to remember and celebrate MaryAnne's life, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, December 30th at 1921 Gary Road, Stewartsville, NJ. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made payable to Barbara Gulick, 1921 Gary Rd, Stewartsville, NJ 08886. Donations received will go to the Showbiz Kidz Dance Center, Lopatcong Township and their scholarship fund with the purpose of encouraging the love of dance in our youth.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Noto-Wynkoop Funeral Home, 289 S Main St, Phillipsburg, NJ. www.noto-wynkoop.com.

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