Merlyn Friss
October 26, 2021

MERLYN FRISS: Died peacefully in Pittsburgh, PA on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at 87 years of age. She was the only child of the late Hyman and Jennie (Sachs) Roth and the beloved wife of the late Leslie Friss. She was born in Pittsburgh, PA and spent most of her adult life there.

Merlyn attended a six-month business course at Robert Morris Business School in Pittsburgh following her graduation from Jeannette High School. She held several administrative jobs at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in the Outpatient and Medical Records Departments, and the Executive Office. After a break when her children were born, she returned to part-time work as a clerk at Nu Life Cleaners while her children were in elementary school and then at the Administrative Offices of the Jewish Home and Hospital for the Aged. Her administrative skills were put to good use upon retirement where she, along with her husband Leslie, served on the Board of their Condominium Association in Delray Beach, Florida, were part of the local Community Watch group and were election volunteers. Together they also enjoyed many fun times with friends participating in the Senior Olympics, playing cards and MahJong, and traveling. Merlyn especially enjoyed the several cruises that they took to Alaska, the Caribbean and the Panama Canal. She was also an avid reader and could often be found working on a crossword, word search or jigsaw puzzle.

Her greatest joy was her children and grandchildren. Merlyn is survived by her daughter Beverly Boget, her husband Chris and their daughters, Leah and Kate, of Shelburne, VT; and her son Raymond Friss, his wife Deborah and their children, Jason and Jessica of Pittsburgh, PA. She was also a dedicated spouse and caregiver to her husband Leslie Friss who predeceased her in 2013. 

Merlyn spent her final years at Ahava Memory Center where she was known as the Mayor of Ahava as she was one of their first residents. We are so grateful for the care and compassion of the staff of both Ahava and Sivitz Hospice who helped mom to find comfort and peace in her last years.

Graveside Service and Interment will be held on Monday, November 22, 2021 at 1 PM at Homewood Cemetery in Squirrel Hill. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association or Ahava Memory Center would be a welcomed way to celebrate her life.

Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., family owned and operated. www.schugar.com

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