“A good friend is like a four-leaf clover; hard to find and lucky to have.” – Irish Proverb

There is no doubt that Dave and Merelee are true soulmates, but I’ve been blessed to call her my soul buddy. The tragic and shocking news of her passing left me breathlessly in disbelief, kneeling and clutching to the large hole in my heart.

Merelee and I became friends when our boys were just toddlers, and we have been connected ever since. We have 5 sons between us. All are within a 4-year age spread from their Matt to our Matt, with Scott, Kevin and Daniel, the same age, in the middle. Our families grew up together. We were intertwined as we experienced and celebrated school days, Scouts, kids’ sports, playdates and fun field trips, daily chats and drop-ins, travels, holidays, birthdays, tailgates, graduations, weddings, births, and shared our good news stories, happy plans, hopes, and joys. We supported each other through injuries, losses, grief, heartaches, trials, concerns, worries, injustices, and moving furniture (thus the injuries.) She was my partner in crime, always willing to partake in or initiate a project, antic, or fun adventure. We shared a common humor, making each other laugh until we cried and could barely speak. She gifted me a dish towel that still proudly hangs in my kitchen which reads, “We’ve been friends for so long, I can’t remember which one of us is THE BAD INFUENCE.” In her kitchen, she would hang my given Santa doorknob hanger stating, “He Sees You When You’re Eating.”

We chatted and texted regularly and met weekly for lunch. We even bundled up to continue to meet outdoors, keeping our “friend-life-therapy-lunches” possible. After 2 ½ hours, my spirit was renewed, our problems were vented and solutions offered, issues were discussed, our joys shared and embraced by each other, our pictures exchanged, and our laughter tanks were filled. Selfishly, my heart breaks to realize the magnitude of her loss to me and my family. I do know we are all better people for having Merelee in our lives. Although her years were cut much too short, I’m so grateful for her and her gift of friendship. I miss her so very much and will carry her loving spirit in my heart always.

Merelee was a devoted wife and mother, a compassionate family member, a giving friend, an animal and political advocate, a talented artist, a caring colleague, a generous volunteer, a humble, yet passionate community member, and a rock-‘n’-roll enthusiast. She admittedly was math challenged, and we joked about how she is the mother of 2 talented math-oriented sons with Matt being a NASA Engineer (rocket scientist) and Scott a Marketing Research Manager (statistical techie). She was so proud of both, as well as Amber, and her family was the center of her being. Her warm smile, sparkling eyes, zest for life, friendly manner, generous compassion, and can-do attitude, mixed with unwavering devotion to her beliefs resulted in her being admired, respected, and loved by many. She gave me another thoughtful gift for my birthday this summer. Along with our favorite chocolate cake, she gave me a pillow imprinted with, “You Make This World A Better Place.” It is on a bench in my home for each person to read and reflect upon about themself. In an ironic twist, her gift to me is her message reaching out to others, symbolic of her added goodness to the world.

Reverting to the earlier mentioned message on the kitchen towel she gave me, I do remember. I do know who it is, although she might disagree. It was her…… in the very best way! And I am so very grateful for that. Heaven just got a lot more fun.

Dave, Scott, Matt, and Amber, we extend our deepest heartfelt sympathies, love, and prayers to you and all your family. We hold you close in our hearts. There are many more inspiring stories and warm memories to share celebrating our beloved Merelee. May God bless you with strength and healing peace.

Love,
Kathy & Pat