Merle Joy Jacobs Kravetz

Born on May 7, 1935, in New York, New York, Merle moved to Miami in 1947, where she would go on to shape the lives of countless students and families. As a graduate of Miami High, Class of 1953, she furthered her education at the University of Miami, where she earned a Bachelor of Education degree in 1957. While at UM, Merle was a writer for the Miami Herald and was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa and Phi Delta Kappa, honors reflecting her commitment to academic excellence and leadership.

Merle continued her education by earning a Master of Education from the University of Miami in 1972 and a Post Master’s Certification in Counseling and Psychology and Counseling Kindergarten through Grade 12 in 1983. She dedicated herself to fostering strong ties with her alma mater, serving as Chair of the University of Miami National Alumni Association from 1977 to 1979, and as a long-time member of the Advisory Board for the School of Education at the University of Miami. She was also inducted into Iron Arrow, the highest and most prestigious honor that can be bestowed by the University.

Merle was passionate about education. Her professional journey in education began in 1975 at Gulliver Preparatory School, where she quickly became a cherished figure. Merle served as Chair of the English Department until 1983, after which she transitioned into a role as Director of Guidance and College Counseling. In this capacity, she worked for over two decades, from 1983 to 2005, helping guide students on their academic paths and ensuring their success as they pursued higher education. Merle’s passion for college counseling was unwavering, and upon retiring from Gulliver, she founded her own private college counseling company, where she continued to impact the lives of countless high school students for 14 more years.

As an advocate for her students' future success, Merle was driven by the desire to get to know each student individually in furtherance of finding the right college for each student she counseled. Nothing made her happier than when her students returned from college and called her to tell her that they were thriving.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Merle was a devoted Miami Hurricanes fan and a proud dog mom to Rosie. She was also one of the original members of Temple Beth Am. Judaism played a vital role in her life, deeply influencing her values and life choices with a lasting impact on her family.

Merle will be remembered for her warmth, her ability to make everyone around her feel special, and her constant effort to make the world a better place through education. Above all, Merle lived by the motto “family first,” and her love for her family was unparalleled.

She was a loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, and friend. Merle is survived by her children Dr. Mark (Amisha) Kravetz, Jeffery (Lisse) Kravetz, Dr. Brian Kravetz (Carlos Molina) and Scott (Lily) Kravetz; grandchildren Rachael, Joseph, Rebecca, Evan, Alex, and Ariana.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 24th, at 11 A.M. at Temple Beth Am Sanctuary, 5950 N. Kendall Drive, Pinecrest, FL. Shiva will be held on Sunday, November 24th, 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. with a Minyan service at 5:30 P.M. at the home of Mark and Amisha Kravetz.