Jean’s Obituary Jean Ann Mertle Singel passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 19, 2019. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Agnes Mertle, her siblings, Evelyn Heningcamp and John Mertle, her loving husband, Stephen Singel and her son-in-law, taken from this world too soon, Philip Buriak. Left with loving memories are Jean’s in-law’s: Mike and Mary Anne Singel, Joe and Mag Sank, and Agnes Swarney, numerous nieces and nephews, and Jean’s thirty-eight descendants including daughters: Carol Buriak of Goodview, Virginia, Joyce Dominguez, (husband, Joseph Dominguez) of Arvada, Colorado, Myra Van Hoose (Lawrence Van Hoose) of Pensacola, Florida, and Amy Livingston (William Livingston) of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and sons: Mark Singel (Jacqueline Schonek) of Palmyra, Pennsylvania and David Singel (Joan Wu) of Bozeman, Montana.
Grandchildren across the world include: Allyson and Dave Aldous, Jonathan Singel, Christopher and Marilena Singel, Stephen and Christie Dominguez, Amy Amata and Kaitlyn Dreeson, Chrissy and Bill Evans, Adam Welch, Jason and Adrienne Livingston, Julia and Jay Velasco, John Livingston, and Josh Livingston. Nine great-grandchildren also brought their Dee Dee great joy. Jean was born September 2, 1928 to John and Agnes, their youngest child upon whom they doted.
After graduating from Central Catholic High School, Jean worked various jobs until she became employed by Bestform Foundations where she met her future husband, Steve. She raised six children, ever-focused on them and extended family for whom she regularly offered her home, efforts and spirit with love. The family and so many others often delighted in her beloved gardens and spa-like backyard pool.
Her spirit also touched her community, where she volunteered with her Church, St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic, playing active roles with Cana Sodality and PTG, dedicating herself to advancing Catholic spirituality in her community. She also worked for a few years as a teacher’s aide for IU8, assisting the severely and profoundly mentally challenged children. As a young wife and mother and then again in the Seventies, she moved with her children to Puerto Rico to support Steve’s career, and Jean embraced her new community, volunteering, touring and hosting all who visited.
At the tender age of 82, to realize a lifelong dream, Jean moved to Perdido Key, Florida where she was mesmerized by frolicking dolphins, pelican parades, and Blue Angel fly-bys. She joined Holy Spirit Catholic Church where she enjoyed new relationships and new volunteer opportunities such as participating with meal support for Church events and knitting with the Prayer Shawl Ministry. Jean has lived the past two years in Pensacola with her children, Myra and Larry and has tremendously enjoyed the Shut-in Ministry provided by Holy Spirit and St. Paul Catholic Churches.
She filled her days discussing politics, following the antics of squirrels and birds in her lovely garden, then capping off her evenings watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. After some struggle with pesky old age, she has now joined her departed loved ones. We will joyfully celebrate her life in Johnstown, Pennsylvania on March 30.
Jean, Mom, Dee Dee, Aunt Jean, we all love and miss you.
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