Marcea T. Merkel

Marcea Thompson Merkel died peacefully in hospice care at Waters Edge in Palm City, Florida on August 8, 2020. She was 98 years young.

She was pre-deceased by her parents, Raymond S. and Evelyn S. (Mitchell) Thompson, her sister, Phyllis Thompson, and her beloved husband of 70 years, Edwin A. Merkel, Jr.  She is survived by her children, Pamela (James) Whipple of Pittsford, NY, Stephen (Sue) Merkel of Westerly, RI and Victoria (Anthony) Marino of Kimberton, PA; seven grandchildren: Lindsay and Joshua Whipple, Megan and Stephen Marino, Stephanie, Sarah and Spencer Merkel, and eight great-grandchildren: Courtney, Brooke, Lauren, William, Catherine, Enzo, Marcelo, and Emma.

Born in Portage, NY, after moving to Henrietta, NY, she attended and graduated from Monroe High School where she was concert mistress.  She went on to study mathematics and retailing at Rochester Institute of Technology.  While working a co-op job at Edward's Department Store, she began a modeling career that spanned more than 40 years. Her striking auburn hair, green eyes and porcelain skin led her to Eastman Kodak as a photographic test model helping them to perfect color film for a few years.  She went on to work high fashion runway and television as well.

Marcea and Ed settled in Brighton, outside Rochester, NY where they raised their children. She was active with her children's schools, and hospital auxiliary.  She was an avid golfer and long-time member of Oak Hill Country Club, Pittsford, NY, where she served as president of the women's golf association and various other positions.  She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; watching them grow, attending their activities, and was proud of their achievements.

Mar and Ed retired to Florida in 1983 and resided in Stuart for 19 years at Mariner Sands Golf Community, spending  summers at Canandaigua Lake in New York.  They moved to Sandhill Cove, a life care facility in Palm City, FL in 2006 where they remained active for many years.