Lisa Marie Merck

Lisa Marie Merck, 60, passed away on December 20, 2022 with her family at her side. Lisa is survived by, her children, Erick Edwing and Rachel Edwing, her loving Fiancé John Herman, his daughters Samantha and Jessica, her siblings, Gordon Merck and his wife Peggy, Denise Merck and her husband Michael, Daniel Merck and his wife CaroleAnn, Christopher Merck and his wife Laura, Maryanne Mitchell and her husband Steven, and Mark Merck and his wife Reyneri. She is also survived by her three nieces, twelve nephews, one great niece and nine great nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Gordon and Maryanne Merck of Lake Wallkill and her sister Peggy Connolly.
Lisa led an extraordinary life, overcoming her breast cancer diagnosis at the age of 30, defying the odds by being a loving mother and raising her two children. Lisa helped and inspired countless people along her journey by her selfless dedication to mentoring other patients and providing guidance to navigate their diagnoses and treatments. Lisa defied the odds once again when her cancer resurfaced in 2013, and she was advised that unless they could find an effective treatment, her prognosis was 8 weeks. Lisa participated in a clinical trial in Florida, and during that treatment she joined the Survivors In Sync Dragonboat Team. Lisa thrived with the love and combined strength of these women. She participated in the 2014 IBCPC Dragonboat Festival. Her affiliation with Dragonboat racing led her to The Connection in Summit NJ and their Pathways Program. There, as a Patient Educator, Lisa has helped to educate, guide and inspire future doctors and nurses to be more effective caregivers by understanding treatment from the patient's perspective and by connecting with them as individuals rather than a diagnosis. She wrote the following regarding the patient education project:
"I am a mere conduit, passing along the inspirational juices that flow through each person l have met, who keeps getting up and continuing, not because they chase a prize or glory, but rather for the opportunity to stay amongst those who hold them with such love in their eyes. Sharing these life experiences with those choosing to dedicate their lives to help patients is incredibly beneficial to all involved. Caregivers gain confidence in dealing with patients, and this confident caring demeanor will help patients heal. Learning to redefine winning and losing. Connecting to one another is the only cure to healing hearts, bodies and minds filled with insurmountable challenges".
Lisa's family will hold a private Celebration of Life. Kindly celebrate Lisa's life with donations in her name to
Pathways at: https://operations.daxko.com/online/5147/OnlineGiving/Donation.mvc
Or to Survivors in Sync at: http://flanzertrust.org.Ram
Private cremation services under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home, 27 Third Street, Sussex, NJ