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BORN
1955
DIED
2025
Elizabeth Merklein Obituary
Margaret Wise Brown, Goodnight Moon.
Elizabeth Cowan Merklein, 69, of Indian Land, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 26, 2025. Born on March 22, 1955, she was the beloved daughter of the late Albert Milton Cowan Jr. and Mary Kathryn Ruschhaupt Cowan.
Elizabeth is survived by her devoted husband of 48 years, Gene C. Merklein Jr. with whom she raised their three daughters Priscilla Merklein, Abigail Nelson, and Jennifer Allan (Roderick) as well as her treasured granddaughters Haley Nelson and Mara Allan. Elizabeth was also a loving sister to her brother Al Cowan (Cathy) and sisters Mary Louise Fischer, Linda Mendel, Nancy Vicknair (Ken), Priscilla Karst (Joe), Clara Wells and Barbara Rutledge. Elizabeth was also a special aunt to her many nieces and nephews.
After meeting, Gene and Elizabeth went off on a lifelong adventure together raising their girls. When Gene retired from the Air Force, they settled in Charlotte, North Carolina where she honed her skills as a children's storyteller working at the Charlotte Public Library. She dedicated her life to helping others and working at the library allowed her to pass along her love of reading while watching the young patrons grow into young, vibrant adults. Elizabeth especially loved working with the community through the outreach department. Since retiring, Elizabeth enjoyed visiting with her family especially getting the opportunity to watch her granddaughters grow up.
A mass to honor Elizabeth's life will be held at 2:45 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at St. Matthews Catholic Church Chapel, located at 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway in Charlotte, North Carolina.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation: Outreach Department.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Merklein
Sponsored by The Charlotte Observer.
6 Entries
Gina deLisle
February 6, 2025
Elizabeth always had a smile on--and as others noted, was quick with a hug. We need more people like her in this world. I offer my condolences to her family and friends.
Cordelia Anderson
February 4, 2025
Elizabeth had such a big heart!!! She would envelop me in her arms with a big hug. She was part of every baby shower I had or attended. She taught me that libraries are families. The world has lost a bright light. May all the people she influenced carry on her legacy of kindness and empathy. She will be deeply missed!
Mark Sullivan
February 3, 2025
Elizabeth was such a sweetheart. I enjoyed working with her at the library, and we stayed in touch. I will miss teasing her by calling her Lizard Breath in my birthday greetings!
Patti Crane Roberts
February 1, 2025
Elizabeth and I first met in the 7th grade. I sat in front of her in the class of all girls because we were the tallest students in the class! We went on to graduate from St. Vincent's Academy in 1973. Elizabeth was kind to all those she met along her way. I am blessed to have known her and I am so very sorry for your loss. May the memories you all shared with her, live in your hearts forever.
Lillian M
February 1, 2025
Liz, you will be greatly missed.
You were the sunshine the world needed. Correction, you ARE the sunshine the world will have. The many years you poured into those around you will be passed on to other humans. Your advice whispers in my ear almost every day. Your love was actionable. Your smile, your innocent laugh, warming and would remedy the aches and pains of life. Your reassurance was every thing. You not only fed us all physically with your loving treats, you fed our souls.
I haven´t met many earth angels but you indeed were one. Wishing I could visit you.
You left a big impact on the world. I hope I meet more people as genuinely kind and loving as you.
To the Merklein family , thank you for sharing her with us. The stories she shared of you all were the most loving. May God comfort you in this time.
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