Evlyn Patrick Mertig

Longtime Eclipse, Virginia, resident Evlyn "Pat" Patrick Mertig, 79, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, surrounded by her sons and daughter-in-law, and was reunited with her beloved husband, Charles.

Born in Hampton, Virginia, Pat was the daughter of John Davis Hardy and Ann Eliza Cock. She grew up on the banks of Sunset Creek, spending her summers swimming, fishing, and crabbing in its waters and roaming the nearby fields and woods. She also spent many happy days at Ivy Home, the home of her grandparents, Frederick D. Cock and Evlyn Balmer Cock.

A graduate of Hampton High School, Pat began her career at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, where she met her future husband, Charles Edward Mertig. After their marriage, the couple made their home in Eclipse, Virginia, where they raised their two sons, John Michael "Michael" Mertig and Karl Edward Mertig. After raising her boys, Pat returned to the workforce and enjoyed a rewarding career with Nabisco Inc., Superior Marine Inc., and Collins Machine Works, Inc.

Pat will be remembered for her strong, caring, witty, and warm spirit. She loved her family deeply and brought humor and kindness to those around her. From her earliest days to her last moments, she was concerned for those around her and wanted to make sure everyone was comfortable and well cared for.

Pat is survived by her sons, Michael Mertig and Karl Mertig (Stephanie); her cherished grandchildren, Carter Patrick Mertig and Delaney Grace Mertig; her brother, John Davis Hardy Jr. (Donna) of Carmel Valley, California; and her nieces Kelley Weirling (Mario) of Richmond, Virginia; Karen Finarelli (John) of Dublin, Ireland; Sharon Hardy of Glen Gardner, New Jersey; Katherine Lynch (Spencer) of Fairfield, Connecticut; and Joanna Erickson (Taylor) of Van Nuys, California, as well as many beloved grandnieces and grandnephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, to whom she was married for 46 years, and by her brother, Fred Hardy of Fairfax, Virginia.

A graveside service will be held at 4:30PM on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Eclipse, Virginia, with the Reverend Ben Randall officiating. The family welcomes all to a reception following the service at the Crittenden, Eclipse & Hobson Ruritan Club, 8881 Eclipse Drive.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Jean Dillard for the care, help with daily tasks, and companionship she provided to Pat over the past several years. R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home, North Suffolk Chapel is serving the family.