Suzanne M. Merrill

Suzanne M. (Decker) Merrill, 95, of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. She was the devoted wife of the late Neal M. Merrill for 54 years. Born on January 7, 1930, in Buffalo, NY, she was the daughter of the late Gilbert Decker and Alma (Luckman) Decker.
Suzanne was a 1947 graduate of Amherst High School in Amherst, NY and a 1951 graduate of Keuka College School of Nursing, Keuka Park, NY. She served with quiet excellence as a Registered Nurse at Buffalo General Hospital and Buffalo VA Hospital, where her gentle hands and steady heart brought comfort to many. A faithful member of First Presbyterian Church in Bethlehem, she lived her devotion through service as a past deacon, active in the Presbyterian Women Association, the Hanover Ambulance Corporation, and Women's Bible Study Fellowship at First Baptist Church of Bethlehem, and Planned Parenthood. Her leadership was marked by wisdom, her compassion by action, and her presence by grace.
Suzanne carried light wherever she went. With a nurse's skill and a mother's tenderness, she tended both bodies and souls, offering care that healed and kindness that lingered. Her faith was not proclaimed but practiced, in hospital corridors and church halls alike, in quiet conversations and steadfast support. She built a life of meaning through service, a home of warmth through love, and a legacy of dignity through every choice she made. She enjoyed skiing with her family and cherished summers filled with activities at the family cottage on Lake Wallenpaupack.
Suzanne adored her family above all. Her heart overflowed with pride and tenderness for all of her loved ones.
SURVIVORS: She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Lynn M. Merrill of Delran, NJ; son, Dwight K. Merrill and his wife Debra L. Merrill of Oxford, MI; and grandchildren, Shayna M. Wiggins, Dakota R. Wiggins, Dwight N. Merrill, and Devin C. Merrill
SERVICES: A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, November 11th at 11AM at
Bethlehem Memorial Park, 1851 Linden St, Bethlehem, PA 18017. Suzanne's arrangements have been entrusted to Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, Bethlehem. A memory tribute may be made at cantelmifuneralhome.com
CONTRIBUTIONS: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Suzanne's name to First Presbyterian Church, 3235 Linden St, Bethlehem, PA 18017