Joan Claire Merz, born April 3, 1930, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2015 in Olympia, WA, surrounded by family. Joan was born the daughter of Ruth (Ericsson) Keller and Clifford Keller in Santa Monica, CA, and though she lived in Olympia for more than half a century, she remained a California girl at heart. Joan was preceded in death by her father (1982), mother (1996), sister, Marilyn Hutchins (2006) and husband, Albert (Abie) (2008). Joan graduated from Santa Monica High School in 1947, and was married to first husband, Norman Lorange, from 1951-1965. They relocated to the Olympia area when he was stationed at Fort Lewis in 1960. Joan and Abie were married on July 30, 1966. Joan was a devoted and dedicated employee, daughter, sister, aunt, stepmother and wife, as well as a dear friend who never forgot the birthday or anniversary of the many people she touched throughout her life. Joan was also a prolific flower gardener, canner, party-giver and letter writer. During the 1970s and early '80s, she became a land use activist and volunteer for the Delphi Association, where she wrote newsletters, testified at planning commission meetings and helped shape the zoning plan still preserving the area's rural character. She worked at IBM and Ma Bell in California, for Thurston County Federal Savings and Loan, and as a keypunch operator for the Washington State Library. Her last job was as bookkeeper for the Black Lake Fire Department near the Delphi Road home she built and shared for 37 of her 42 years with Abie. She was an accomplished seamstress, made delicious jam and was a longtime member of the Capitol Red Hatters where she wore purple proudly, formed many new friendships and had fun. Joan will be missed deeply by the many, many family and friends who knew and loved her.
Published in The Olympian on May 13, 2015 [Edited]
Published in The Olympian on May 13, 2015 [Edited]
Joan Claire Merz, born April 3, 1930, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2015 in Olympia, WA, surrounded by family. Joan was born the daughter of Ruth (Ericsson) Keller and Clifford Keller in Santa Monica, CA, and though she lived in Olympia for more than half a century, she remained a California girl at heart. Joan was preceded in death by her father (1982), mother (1996), sister, Marilyn Hutchins (2006) and husband, Albert (Abie) (2008). Joan graduated from Santa Monica High School in 1947, and was married to first husband, Norman Lorange, from 1951-1965. They relocated to the Olympia area when he was stationed at Fort Lewis in 1960. Joan and Abie were married on July 30, 1966. Joan was a devoted and dedicated employee, daughter, sister, aunt, stepmother and wife, as well as a dear friend who never forgot the birthday or anniversary of the many people she touched throughout her life. Joan was also a prolific flower gardener, canner, party-giver and letter writer. During the 1970s and early '80s, she became a land use activist and volunteer for the Delphi Association, where she wrote newsletters, testified at planning commission meetings and helped shape the zoning plan still preserving the area's rural character. She worked at IBM and Ma Bell in California, for Thurston County Federal Savings and Loan, and as a keypunch operator for the Washington State Library. Her last job was as bookkeeper for the Black Lake Fire Department near the Delphi Road home she built and shared for 37 of her 42 years with Abie. She was an accomplished seamstress, made delicious jam and was a longtime member of the Capitol Red Hatters where she wore purple proudly, formed many new friendships and had fun. Joan will be missed deeply by the many, many family and friends who knew and loved her.
Published in The Olympian on May 13, 2015 [Edited]
Published in The Olympian on May 13, 2015 [Edited]
Bio by: Darlene
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