Edna Merz McCarthy's Obituary
Edna Merz McCarthy, age 95, of Grand Haven passed away Friday, June 21, 2019 at Lakeshore Assisted Living. She was born February 13, 1924 in Munising to Henry and Leona (Goudreau) Bolles. On October 27, 1945 she married Clifton Merz in Spring Lake and he preceded her in death on April 17, 1993. On May 15, 1999 she married George McCarthy.
Edna was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where she was a rosary alter society member and served on the funeral luncheons. She worked for the US Government right out of high school in Washington D.C., Chicago, and Grand Rapids. Returning from Grand Rapids she worked at Oldberg Manufacturing as a “Rosie the Riveter”. Edna also worked and retired from Grand Haven Public Schools. She was a charter member of the VFW Auxiliary where she served as President, department officer and President of the 8th District. Edna was also a member of the American Legion, National Bolles Association, charter member of the Spring Lake Booster Club and of The Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. In 2000 Edna was awarded the Grand Haven Community Volunteer Award winner.
Edna is survived by her husband, George; six children: Ruth Ann (Gary) Fett of Whitmore Lake, James (Vicki) Merz of Mesa, AZ, Nancy (John) Boese of Spring Lake, Dale (Cheri) Merz of Spring Lake, Marie (Rex) Conroy of Brighton, MI, John Merz of Nunica; step-children, Nancy (Michael) Leak, of Grand Haven, Edward (Deb) McCarthy of Grand Haven; sixteen grandchildren; eleven and a half great-grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; eight step-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister: Amy Hill; sister-in-law, Peggy Bolles. She was preceded in death by her granddaughters, Linda Fett Salatino, and Katie Merz; sisters, Lois Scheil, Audrey Katt, Sally Green and brother, George Bolles.
Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM Friday, June 28, 2019 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Visitation will be 4-7 PM Thursday, June 27, 2019 at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417 and one hour prior to the service at church. Interment will take place in Spring Lake Township Cemetery. Memorial Contributions in memory of Edna may be given to The VFW Ward-Goff Scholarship Fund or St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
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