Margaret Merklin

Margaret (Marge) Waterfield Merklin, our dear mother, died unexpectedly of a massive heart attack in Cooper Hospital on October 30, 2022 at age 99.

Margaret is survived by four children: Susan Mulloy (CA), Bruce Merklin (Brita-Norway), Dale Merklin (NJ), Diane Duer (NJ) and an older sister Lily Hardin (FL).  She is also survived by 7 grandchildren: Erika Merklin (AK), Ian Merklin (CA), Charles Duer (CA), Elizabeth O’Reilly (NJ), Megan Mulloy (CA), Kevan Duer (NJ) and Andrew Merklin (NJ), and 6 great grandchildren: Cameron, Chisel (AK), Max, Nina, Finn, & Cowan (NJ). Margaret is preceded in death by her husband of 60 years Dr. Robert J. Merklin, a son John A. Merklin, and a grandson Jesse J.Duer.

Margaret was born on September 29, 1923 to Eleanor and Walter Waterfield in Irvington, NJ, the youngest of 5 children. She married Robert Joseph Merklin, PhD at age 19 after he saw her playing girls softball, and thought she was “cute”. They were married on July 4, 1944 while he was on leave from the Navy.

Margaret was athletic and loved baseball, especially her beloved Phillies. She was a constant volunteer at her Church of 65 years, working in the Thrift shop until the Monday before her death. She also volunteered for PTA, was on the school board, volunteered for Brownies, and Girl Scouts, and more when her 5 children were younger.

She lived a long and healthy life, had a big heart, and was always trying to help others. She was generous with her time and money toward causes she favored. She was also a very social person, and loved playing bridge, being in a book club, and going out to dine with friends. We were planning her 100th birthday party when she died.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 11 am at the Gaskill-Brown Funeral Home, 33 West Maple Avenue, Merchantville, NJ, 08109. Relatives and friends may visit with the family from 10 am until time of service. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the General Fund at the First Presbyterian Church, 10 W. Maple Avenue, Merchantville, NJ. 08109.

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