Passed away on May 23, 2023 at the age of 76. Predeceased her parents, Samuel and Kathleen [Higgins] Mackey; and brothers, John, Richard and Donald. Survived by her husband, Robert Israel; sons, David Israel and Michael (Geri) Israel; and sister, Eileen Elizabeth.
Merilyn was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, graduating from Madison High School and the Brooklyn Hospital School of Nursing. Her life centered around family, friends and community service volunteering in many organizations to make this world a better place, always thinking of others before herself. She was in leadership in the James Alexander Community Girl Scout Group #3015 in Rochester making lifelong friendships with her scouts and their families. She volunteered with the Red Cross while her husband served in the Army and volunteered at School 17 in the “Help Me Read” program. She volunteered at the Asbury Storehouse, was a Cub Scout Den Mother and volunteered in the Vietnam Resettlement program. She was an active member of the Eastern Star and was involved in many of their charitable endeavors. She was also active in Church Women United. She made friends easily and kept her friendship alive through communication and caring. Her hope and dreams were to see a better world where peace would triumph over hostility and understanding would triumph over ignorance.
All are invited to her Funeral Service which will be held on WEDNESDAY May 31, 2023 at 10 AM in Linehan Chapel located in The Golisano Academic Center at Nazareth College (4245 East Avenue). Please use North Campus Drive entrance and park in Lot Q – CLICK FOR MAP TO LOT Q.
Following the service, a procession will follow to White Haven Memorial Park.
