Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1926
DIED
2019
ANITA MERTEN Obituary
Anita Borchard Merten, 92, passed away peacefully after a short illness on May 16, 2019. Anita was born in Oxnard, CA on October 8, 1926, to Anna and Antone Borchard, pioneers of Orange County. Anita grew up on the family farm south of Santa Ana with her sisters, Bernice, Frances and Wilma and her brother, Vincent. Their family home and grounds were donated to the Catholic Church and are now the site of the Heart of Jesus Retreat Center and a convent for the Sisters of the Society Devoted to the Sacred Heart. She married Gerard Callens on February 23, 1946, and had five children: Gerard, Stephen, Andrea, Christine and Carolyn. Two years after Gerard's death in 1956, she married John Merten on June 7, 1958, and they had three children: John, Anita and Paul. Anita lived a full life as a devoted wife, loving mother and homemaker. She kept an immaculate home and enjoyed planning and preparing meals for family and friends, most especially over the holidays. One of the most important pleasures in her life was gardening and she took great pride in her rose garden. Most of all she loved her family and instilled in her children strong values that have served them well. In addition to being devoted to her family, she was a faithful Catholic who found great comfort in praying the rosary. Anita was predeceased by her beloved husbands, Gerard and John; her brother, Vincent; sisters, Bernice, Wilma and Frances. She is survived by her 8 children, Gerard (Janet) of Holtville, Stephen of Holtville, Andrea (Karl-Wilhelm) of Imperial, Christine (Frank) of San Francisco, CA, Carolyn (Jim) of Astoria, OR, John (Kendra) of Columbia, NJ, Anita of Imperial, Paul (Denise) of Mesa, AZ; along with 22 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 24th at St. Joseph Church in Holtville from 6 to 9 p.m., with the rosary being recited at 7 p.m. A funeral mass will be celebrated Saturday, May 25th at 8 a.m., also at St. Joseph Church. Contributions in honor of Anita's memory may be made to the Heart of Jesus Retreat Center located at 2927 S. Greenville St., Santa Ana 92704.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for ANITA MERTEN
3 Entries
May 31, 2019
You are all very much in our prayers as you mourn the loss of Anita and celebrate her life. Anita, treasured family and instilled virtues and values in her children. We, the Sacred Heart Sisters are grateful, to Anita's family especially her parents, Antone and Anna, who donated their family home and land to the Catholic Church which eventually became home to the Heart of Jesus Retreat Center in Santa Ana. The Borchard and Merten families can be proud to know that the Catholic faith, Christian principles, and family values they treasure are shared with thousands of children, teens, adults, and families each year at the Heart of Jesus Retreat Center. Please know we remember your families with grateful hearts and prayer for each of you.
In the Heart of Jesus, the Sisters of the Society Devoted to the Sacred Heart
Larry D. French
May 25, 2019
So sorry to read of the passing of you Mom. I never had the pleasure of meeting her, but I believe she must have been one extra fine person. Treasure the memories of her for she may be physically gone, she left each of you with some wonderful memories. I'm so sorry Gerry & Steve and the remaining family members. Larry D. French class of 1965.
May 23, 2019
Sweet memories of a lovely lady. Condolences to the Borchard, Callens, and Merten families from all the Voelkers. We "older ones" remember the gracious welcome and hospitality of Anita's parents, our Cousin Annie and Antone when we were children and invited to a Santa Ana wedding. Blessings on your family as you return your dear mother and grandmother to God.
Love,
Sister Joseph Cecile Voelker, CSC
Ventura
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in ANITA MERTEN's name
Memorial Events
for ANITA MERTEN
How to support ANITA's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor ANITA MERTEN's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
