Mary Ann Merle (nee’ Quinlan) passed away Monday, June 8, 2020 at her home surrounded by loved ones. Her granddaughter, Danielle Faulkner, and the wonderful staff of Gulfside Hospice ensured that she was comfortable until the end.
Born in Brooklyn, New York on July 2, 1940, she was the eldest of 8 children born to Vincent Michael Quinlan and Catherine Keller Quinlan. She was predeceased by sister, Maureen Kurtzke and brothers, Matthew, Robert and Vincent ‘Vinny’ Quinlan. She is survived by brother, Kevin Quinlan of Titusville, FL and sisters Patricia ‘Pat’ Ginsberg of Brooklyn, NY and Lorraine ‘Lori’ Glover of Jamestown, TN. Mary Ann is survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Mary Ann is predeceased by son, Thomas Artist. She is survived by son, William ‘Billy’ Bradley of Valdosta, GA and daughters, Linda Faulkner of Lutz, FL; Cheryl Bradley of Land O’ Lakes, FL and Stacy Morrell of Kingsport, TN.
Mary Ann is survived by 8 grandchildren, Angela Oosting of Grand Rapids, MI; Danielle Faulkner of Lutz, FL; Casey Beck of Valdosta, GA; Matthew Faulkner of Denver, CO; Randall Eugene ‘RJ’ Dalton of Evadale, TX; Barrett Beck of Washington, DC; Ashley Williams of Valdosta, GA and Blake Bradley of Valdosta, GA.
She is survived by 12 great-grandchildren, who called her GG; Lillian Faulkner, Jonathan Beck, Toran Beck, Khloe Beck, Rayvyn Beck, Riley Beck, Emma Williams, Ethan Williams, Elias Williams, Jaylen Dalton, Owen Dalton and Lucas Oosting.
She leaves behind many friends and colleagues from her years at H&R Block, both in Tampa, FL and Kansas City, MO.
Mary Ann, affectionately called Mare by her friends, was known for her lack of patience, not holding back her opinion and a habit of speaking her mind. Those who knew her well, won’t be surprised to hear that some of her last words were “I’m gonna kick your ass” said in jest to her dear friend, Dee Rios.
She loved Bingo, bunco, card games and gambling. She enjoyed reading, cruises, and theater. She liked driving her ‘cadillac’ scooter at full speed without regard for traffic laws. She was a terrible navigator, who got lost anytime she deviated from her regular routes. She was a generous woman, not afraid to spend her last dollar to keep her family and friends smiling. She hated cooking, and instead jested that her favorite thing to make was ‘reservations’. She spoiled her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with junk food, often calling icecream “first things first” as she allowed them to eat anything they desired while visiting her.
Above all, the woman loved to argue and critique. Many learned the hard way that she wouldn’t give up an argument easily and she would fight to the last breath to protect those she cared about (or, just for her own entertainment). She had many great loves of her life, but none greater than her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
At her request, no viewing or funeral will be held. Instead, a celebration of life will be held for family and close friends at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mary Ann Merle to Gulfside Hospice. Donations help to ensure that no patient is turned away from Gulfside Hospice due to an inability to pay. Donations may be made with Alicia Henson at Gulfside Hospice 727-845-5707 or through their website: https://www.gulfside.org/donation-options.html
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