Maria Merli Karhan

Maria Merli Karhan died Feb. 21. She is survived by her husband, Robert.

Born in Old Forge, on June 11, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Elizabeth and Joseph Merli. She graduated from Old Forge High School, Hahnemann Hospital School of Nursing and McMurray University. She was employed by the VA hospitals in Richmond, Va., and Brooklyn, N.Y. She later enlisted in the Air Force and served six years as a registered nurse. During this tenure, she was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for distinguished service. She met her beloved husband, Robert, at Dyess Air Force Base, and they were wed in the base chapel in 1962. Their daughter, Kimberly, was born in Torrejon, Spain.

Also surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly D'Angelo and Gregg D'Angelo; her dearest grandson, Alex D'Angelo; a stepson and stepdaughter-in-law, James and Gay Karhan; two stepgrandchildren, Colby and Casey Karhan; a sister, Ann Holgash; nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by a brother, Amadeo "Merle" Merli.

A celebration of her life will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, Buffalo Gab Road, Abilene, Texas, today at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.