Mary Jane Mericli

Mary Jane Mericli (née McDonald).  Age 87.  Peacefully in her sleep, with Dad yelling from Heaven, "Where is My Wife?" Born Nov. 24,1934, in Sewickley, PA to Alexander and Jane McDonald. Graduating Salutatorian from HS, she put her formal education and a scholarship to Carnegie Tech on hold to work at Green Engineering. There she met and was married for 67 years to Iskender (Alex). Together they created a lifetime of love, learning & 6 children. Kemal Mericli (Stella), Leyla Hirschfeld (Jerry), Suzanne Mangini (Keith), Denise Nagy (Tim), Kurt Mericli (Diane) & Margaret Mericli. Her University was Life and she was the Chancellor of Sheldon Ave. Her six children were her students, classmates and friends. She always said, "Let me go before my frontal lobes," but that was not to be. Valiantly navigating dementia for many years with intelligence, kindness and grace, she recognized, with sadness, the cruelty of this disease. She taught us life could be unfair but work hard, be thankful & make everyday interesting. Never tell Mom you were bored! Active in Scouts, Christian Mothers & St. Margaret of Scotland's CCD, Communion, Baptism & Great Books Programs while holding down the home front as a mom raising kids of the '50s, '60s & '70s. She was a fabulous cook, a voracious reader, a talented artist in both oils and watercolors as well as a walking dictionary. In the '80s she returned to work at McKinsey & Co and despite lacking a degree was promoted to  Adm Assist. to the Managing Partner. She was honored with The 1st  Mary Jane Mericli Award for Excellence at her job. She and Alex loved as their family grew and were  blessed with nine Grandchildren and two Great Grandchildren, she became "Nanny" and will be missed by Seth Mangini, Dr. Alexander Mericli (Lindsay, Malcolm & Conrad), Kristine Mangini (Keaton), Benjamin Mericli (Duygu). Mark Hirschfeld (Hilary), Ross Hirschfeld (Jill), Dr. Ally Nagy (Nikos), Rebecca Nagy Visco (Dom) & Eric Hirschfeld. She was preceded in death by her sister Margo McDonald. Our family wants to thank all the people that helped in caring for Mom over the years, first in her home and then at Assisted Living. You became part of our family. Friends welcome 6-8pm, THURSDAY & 2–8pm FRIDAY, WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE (412-563-2800) 1650 Greentree Rd, Scott Twp 15220. Mass of Christian Burial 10:00a.m. SATURDAY, St. Margaret of Scotland Church (St. Raphael the Archangel Parish). Burial will follow in Mt. Lebanon Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers donations suggested to the Salvation Army, 1060 McNeilly Rd, Pgh, PA, 15226. www.slaterfuneral.com