Georgia Mae Merchant
March 8th, 1929 - February 25th, 2024
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Georgia's Obituary
Georgia M. Merchant, 94, of St. Joseph, passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at Woodland Terrace. A gathering of friends and family to celebrate Georgia will be held Sunday, March 17, from 2:30 PM until 4:30 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. A private family interment will be held at a later date at Riverview Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Planned Parenthood of Michigan, Special Olympics of Michigan, American Cancer Society or Sarett Nature Center. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Georgia was born on March 8, 1929, in Benton Harbor to George & Mabel (Wilcox) Adler. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1947 and continued her education by earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing from University of Illinois. On November 24, 1951, Georgia married the love of her life, Howard Merchant, in St. Joseph. The two were happily married for 61 years before his passing in 2012. Beginning in 1952, she worked as a registered nurse until her retirement in 1986. Georgia enjoyed tending to her rose garden, travelling with her family, and attending social events. She was an active member in a variety of clubs through the First Congregational Church, as well as a proud member of The National Organization for Women.
Georgia was a strong matriarch within her family and friends circle, providing guidance to so many throughout their lives. Her determination and strength of character helped ease others’ burdens and demonstrated the possibility of persevering though life’s challenges. Georgia was a three-time cancer survivor, two-time heart attack survivor and lived with a myriad of afflictions that would set most people off track, but only made her more determined in her journey and messaging to others right up until the end.
Georgia is survived by her sons, Mike (Heidi) Merchant of St. Joseph and Tom Merchant of Grand Rapids; daughter, Susan (Kevin) Karnik of Monroe; five grandchildren Jessica (Jay) Heydenburg, Eric Karnik, Ben Karnik, Melanie Merchant, and Rebecca (Michael) Kurina; four great-grandchildren, Zoe & Max Karnik, and Gavin & Grant Heydenburg; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, George & Mabel and husband, Howard.
The family of Georgia is thankful for the excellent care she received from her caregivers at Woodland Terrace and Caring Circle.
Georgia was born on March 8, 1929, in Benton Harbor to George & Mabel (Wilcox) Adler. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1947 and continued her education by earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing from University of Illinois. On November 24, 1951, Georgia married the love of her life, Howard Merchant, in St. Joseph. The two were happily married for 61 years before his passing in 2012. Beginning in 1952, she worked as a registered nurse until her retirement in 1986. Georgia enjoyed tending to her rose garden, travelling with her family, and attending social events. She was an active member in a variety of clubs through the First Congregational Church, as well as a proud member of The National Organization for Women.
Georgia was a strong matriarch within her family and friends circle, providing guidance to so many throughout their lives. Her determination and strength of character helped ease others’ burdens and demonstrated the possibility of persevering though life’s challenges. Georgia was a three-time cancer survivor, two-time heart attack survivor and lived with a myriad of afflictions that would set most people off track, but only made her more determined in her journey and messaging to others right up until the end.
Georgia is survived by her sons, Mike (Heidi) Merchant of St. Joseph and Tom Merchant of Grand Rapids; daughter, Susan (Kevin) Karnik of Monroe; five grandchildren Jessica (Jay) Heydenburg, Eric Karnik, Ben Karnik, Melanie Merchant, and Rebecca (Michael) Kurina; four great-grandchildren, Zoe & Max Karnik, and Gavin & Grant Heydenburg; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, George & Mabel and husband, Howard.
The family of Georgia is thankful for the excellent care she received from her caregivers at Woodland Terrace and Caring Circle.
Memorial Contributions
Planned Parenthood of Michigan
Special Olympics of Michigan
American Cancer Society
Sarett Nature Center
Service Details
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