Constance Merlene
Constance “Connie” E. Merlene (nee Johnson), age 83, of Chardon, peacefully passed away on July 13, 2023, at her home shortly after hearing the voices of loved ones.
Born to Marzella (nee Morgan) Johnson and Frederick Abiathe Johnson on Oct. 30, 1939, in Ashtabula, she was raised by her loving stepfather, Edward Copeland Sr.
Connie graduated from Ashtabula High School in 1958. While still in high school, she began working at the Ashtabula Star Beacon and continued to work there after graduation. This is where she met the love of her life, Marion “Lou” Merlene, who later became her husband of 55 years. She went on to work at First Merit, retiring after 15 years in 2000.
In 2000, Connie and Lou moved to Leesburg, Fla., to enjoy their retirement. Connie enjoyed bowling, billiards, swimming, biking, teaching line dancing, tennis, reading, walking, going on family vacations and much more.
She enjoyed life and always made the most of what she was doing at that moment in time. As a mother, she always made time for her two boys, whether it was playing games, swimming, playing catch in the front yard or baking their favorite cookies. Willing to try almost anything, she even tried body surfing on a Myrtle Beach vacation in order to spend more time with her boys.
As a daughter, sibling, wife, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, friend co-worker, etc., Connie always enjoyed spending time with and hearing from people in her life. She truly cared for all family and friends and included them all in her prayers, even saying extra prayers for those in their time of need.
Connie is survived by her sons, Steven (Dawn) Merlene, of Chardon, and Jason (Kate) Merlene, of Kent; grandchildren, Austin (Rachel) Arnold, Allison Arnold and Clara Merlene; and great-grandchild, Finley Louis.
She also leaves siblings Sharon (George) Hakkarainen, Claudia Hakkarainen, Edward (Mary) Copeland Jr., Beth (Jerry) Sparks; many nieces and nephews; and lifelong friends since childhood, Joanne (Armstrong) Bressler and Joanne (Jones) Rocco.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Marzella Copeland; husband, Lou Merlene; siblings Frederick Abiathe Johnson Jr., Patricia (Johnson) Kudlock and Melodie (Copeland) Conley; and brothers-in-law, Steve Kudlock, Jim Hakkarainen and Ray Conley.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements made by Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Chardon. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.
