Kay Merlo, of Port Washington, WI, formerly of Gladstone, MI, went to her Heavenly Home on Tuesday, August 28, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. She was 71 years old.
Kay was born in Manistique, MI on July 27, 1947, daughter of Lauritz Hough and Patricia Curran Hough. She grew up in Manistique, graduating from Manistique High School with the class of 1965. After high school, Kay attended college at both St. Joseph’s Nursing School in Hancock, and Grace School of Nursing in Detroit, MI. It was in Hancock that she met the love of her life, Michael Merlo. The couple were married in Detroit, MI on March 5, 1971. He preceded her in death in 1988. After Michael’s death she moved to Gladstone to raise her family. Kay worked as a nurse in the Gladstone area, until 2004 where she moved to New York to work as a traveling nurse. Kay was a free-spirited thrill seeker and very independent.
Kay was a member of All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone. She enjoyed making jewelry, reading, traveling, but especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. Kay was full of faith and God’s love. She had a passion for teaching her family and others about God’s word. Kay understood that even through hard times, having a strong faith in God will help you get through it. She never doubted that God has a plan for all of us.
She is survived by her four children: Michael Merlo of Kalamazoo, MI, Matthew (Shannon) Merlo of Port Washington, WI, Angela Merlo of Fenton, MI and Peter (Stephanie) Merlo of Grand Forks, ND. She is further survived by six grandchildren: Karley, Matthew, Lillian, Maxwell, Michael and Vincent, her mother Patricia Hough of Manitowoc, WI, one sister Annmarie (Randy) Ahola Sohlden of Manitowoc, WI, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. She is preceded in death by her husband Michael, her father Lauritz Hough, her sister Kim Marie Hough, and her father and mother-in-law Vincent and Rose Merlo.
Family will receive friends Saturday, September 1, 2018 from 11:30 AM until 1:30 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 1st at 2 PM at All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone. Father Jamie Ziminski will celebrate the Mass. She will be laid to rest next to her husband in Lakeview Cemetery in Manistique.
The Skradski Funeral Home, Gladstone, MI and the Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington, WI are honored to serve the family.
Toni Bal - Grand Rapids, MI
Pat, Annie, Angie, Mike, Matt, Pete–I am stunned and so sad to hear of Kay’s passing. You are all on my mind as I send love and light your way. Much love, Toni
Robin Hewitt - Gladstone, Michigan
So many memories with Kay…. My deepest thoughts and prayers are with all of you. ( Pat, Mike, Matt, Shannon, Angela, and Annie) Love and Light….
Sister Jan Villemure - Cambridge , Oh
Kay was a good friend in my grade school years. I met up with Ann, her sister at Roncalli high school. I had not seen Ann since she was a baby! My sympathy and prayers are with all of you. We Franciscan sisters are remembering you in prayer.
Pamela S Allsopp - ESCANABA, MI
I am sorry to hear of Kay’s passing. I enjoyed working with her for many years. She was a wonderful nurse, very knowledgeable, caring and was an advocate for all her patients. Kay had such a gusto for life! My heart goes out to you all.
Pam Allsopp, Escanaba MI
Kathe Marchi - Green Bay, WI
Kay was a classmate at St. Joe’s School of Nursing in Hancock, MI. She brought love and adventure to our days. Kay was a friend and source of fun during our sometimes intense studies. Although I have not been in touch for many years, I feel your loss and will remember her in my prayers. I remember her beautiful connection to her Mike and am happy that she is back in his arms. Rest in Peace Kay! Kathe
Marlee Brice - Shoreview , Mn
My condolences to Kay’s family. I was at St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing with Kay and she was truly one of a kind. She was unpredictable, exasperating at times and always fun. She always had a beautiful smile on her face.
Becki Hess - Gladstone, Mi
Hugs and my deepest sympathy to your entire family. I will not be there to say goodbye to your Mom-as I’m out of town. I have a lifetime of memories with her, as you all do. May God, your amazing memories and each other bring you all comfort in this sad time. Until we meet again Kay-I love you!
Kathy Martin - Gladstone , Mi
My heart is broken Seem the ones we love pass away way to soon
GM always called her nurse Ratchet!! We had many, many great times with your mom!
Many (((hugs))) and prayers for you all.
Pauline Sarasin - Escanaba, MI
Matt and Shannon, Sorry to hear about your mom. She received high praise from Jill and family. When the family and friends say they are here for you; believe it. Take Care. Pauline Sarasin
Lisa Marttila - Marquette, MI
Michael, Matt and Shannon, Angie, and Peter and Steph – I just got the news of your mother’s passing. I am so shocked and can’t express how sorry and sad I am. My heart is broken that such a beautiful woman has left us. Your mother was a wonderful person, RN, sister in faith and mostly a fun and funny friend. She made my life a better place and she will be missed. My sympathies are with you all. I can’t even guess what a loss this is for you. The one thing I do know is that you are all the stars in Kay’s heaven. I have not met a mother who loved her children more and felt more proud of every one of them. She beamed when she told me of all of your accomplishments – she was grateful she raised such good children. I know she is with the Lord and rejoicing, but my heart is very heavy and sad without her here. Saying prayers for you all.