Patricia S. Merritt

Pat passed away peacefully at her beloved home on June 8, 2021, at the age of 73.

Although her life began in Millville, she spent the last 33 years contentedly in Port Norris, NJ. She worked at Bayside State Prison, eventually retiring as a Senior Classification Officer. After retirement, her focus turned to family and enjoying the simple pleasures in life: the activities of her grandchildren, finding new recipes and books to share, and beautifying her home and garden with her unmatched sense of taste and style, to name a few.

She deeply loved her family and gave from her heart. Others looked up to her as an inspiration of

strength, wisdom, and courage. She was also known for her practicality and decisiveness, and was unafraid to serve as a voice of truth and reason when needed (much like her favorite no-nonsense judge, Judge Judy). Additionally, Pat was a prolific reader and had a particular interest in books and shows involving spies and mysteries, such as Agatha Christi's Poirot and Miss Marple . This passion was matched by her drive to write, often noting her observations of the world around her with humor and wit in a quick email or more inspired journal entry. She began each day with a cup of coffee and her journal, and lived by the words, "A life worth living is a life worth recording."

Pat is survived by her sisters: Karen McConnell and Susan Bodulow (Mike); sons: John Slonieski (Kim), Bill Merritt Jr (Melissa), and Mark Merritt; grandchildren: John Henry, Jillian, and Jane Slonieski, and Evan and Tanner Merritt; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws. She held the members of the Merritt family so close to her heart, and had a special relationship with brother- and sister-in-law, Jim and Cell Wright. Pat was predeceased by her husband, Bill Merritt; son: Carl Slonieski; parents; and others, including Cell.
Pat will join those who have gone on before her, leaving an empty seat at the table where she loved to share memories, stories, and laughter with her family; however, she will be ever-present in our minds and hearts. She was a loving and caring mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, wife, and friend. We will carry with us the love that she showed in so many ways, for the rest of our lives.

Funeral services were held privately at St. Nicholas Russian Old Orthodox Church, in Millville, NJ, on June 13, 2021. Those wishing to honor her memory are encouraged to make a donation in her name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital .