Barbara "Penny" Merges

Barbara Marie Merges, 85, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin and teacher, departed this world peacefully on December 24, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was born in Jersey City, NJ on October 29, 1940. She was the only child of Marie C. Parker, her Stepfather Clifford Parker and her father, Robert Ryan. She graduated from The College of St. Rose where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Education and a Master's degree in Special Education in the early 60's. Penny was a teacher throughout her life, dedicating her talents and pursuits to students with unique learning needs. She had a passion for challenging work and took great satisfaction meeting the educational needs of young men who were incarcerated. She retired after working for the Division for Youth Facility at Industry in Rush, NY, as well as The LaSalle School in Albany.

In addition to her parents, Penny is predeceased by her devoted husband, Richard "Dick" and daughter, Mary Kay. She is survived by her loving children: Michael (Laurie) Merges of Rensselaer, NY; Eileen (Nathan Napper) Merges of Edgewater, MD; David (Julie) Merges of Farmington, NY; and Elizabeth (Chris) Carlin of Rensselaer, NY. She was the cherished grandmother of Nicole (Andrew) Tegas, Alexandra (Michael) Krein, Quinn, Peter (Nea Bergendahl), William (Grace Dertinger), Henry Merges, Kayla (Nicholas) Kern, Joshua, Jonathan (Hannah Rogers), Catherine (Naomi Smith), Frankie, and Lilly Carlin. She was also the proud great-grandmother of Natalie and Paul Krein. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.

Penny loved to vacation with family at Cape Cod and in the Adirondacks. She and Dick enjoyed traveling the US after retirement. She spent 2025 traveling with her children and grandchildren visiting places she had always dreamed of seeing: France, Spain, England and Alaska. She enjoyed spending time with her family as much, and as often as possible. She was an avid reader and also crocheted numerous blankets, hats, scarves, etc. that remain special memories to family and friends. In her early years Penny could be seen flying a seaplane above the Hudson River and riding her horse, Peaches. She encouraged being extra kind to the people you encounter and was very generous.

She was loved dearly and will be deeply missed. The family will receive visitors on Friday, January 2, between 10:00 am and 11:00 am at W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Ave. Rensselaer, NY. A funeral Mass will begin at 11:30 am at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 175 Williams Road, Troy, NY. Interment following the funeral at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 3rd Ave Ext, Rensselaer, NY. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Bridges for Brain Injury Program, 5760 Duke of Gloucester Way, Farmington, NY 14425.