DERBY — Gertrude M. Merkle, 87, of Derby, beloved wife of the late David F. Merkle, died Friday, Jan. 1, 2016 at Griffin Hospital, Derby. Born in Ansonia on July 17, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Lester and Helen Keefe Kelly.
Mrs. Merkle graduated from Ansonia Business School and worked as a secretary for the City of Derby. A homemaker and lifelong resident of Derby, she was a member of the German Club of Shelton and together with her husband, was active in local and state politics.
She is survived by her devoted daughters, Monica Bracci and her husband, Richard, Marilyn Anderson and her husband, Paul, and Maureen Merkle, all of Derby; cherished grandchildren, Taylor R. and Lara M. Bracci of Derby, Douglas C. Bedini of Bethany and Derek M. Bedini of Derby, Richard and Robert Hyder of Derby and Kelly Anderson Zver of Naugatuck; great-grandchildren, Julia and Ryan Bedini, Victoria and Margaret Hyder, Michael and Emma Hyder, Nick Narine and Jocelyn Zver. In addition to her husband of over 50 years, she was predeceased by a brother, William Kelly.
Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016, at 9:30 a.m. from the Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Ave., Ansonia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. in St. Mary Church, 212 Elizabeth St., Derby. Interment will follow in Mount St. Peter Cemetery, Derby. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., prior to Mass.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleeememorial.com.
