Ann E. Merkel

Ann E. Merkel, age 86, of Saranac Lake, died Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Elderwood of Uihlein at Lake Placid.

Born in New Haven, Connecticut on September 17, 1938, she was the daughter of Lawrence and Lola (Cavan) Bethel. Ann, married C. David Merkel, MD, Col (Ret) on Friday, August 19, 1977 in Saranac Lake. He predeceased her on September 15, 2012.

Ann grew up in New Haven, CT. She attended and received an Associate’s degree in business from Bradford College. She continued her education at North Western University where she received her Bachelors degree from the Medill School of Journalism. Ann moved to Saranac Lake in 1967 where she became a very active member of the community. Ann worked and volunteered for several community organizations over the years. Including working as an administrator and instructor at North Country Community College for several years. She served as President of the North Country Girl Scout Council and was active in Girl Scouting for many years and was a very active member at Church of St. Luke the Beloved Physician in Saranac Lake. She also served on advisory committees for both Essex County Public Health and Franklin County Public Health. In 1986, along with her husband Dr. Merkel, gathered a team of local volunteers and together co-founded High Peaks Hospice. Ann served as the director of High Peaks Hospice for several years and had also served on the Board of Directors for High Peaks Hospice and the New York State Public Health Association.

She is survived by one daughter, Suzanne McGregor, and son-in-law, Charles Neimeth, of Burlington, VT, one beloved grandson, Christopher Neimeth, of Pasadena, CA, one sister Kathleen Saunders and brother-in-law, Norm Hauser, of Doylestown, PA, two nephews, Peter and Wilford Sounders and their wonderful families, and three step daughters: Erica, Sara and Jill Merkel and their families. She is also survived by two sister-in-law’s Janet Klemper, Sara (Peter) Cameron; and two brother-in-law’s Richard (Judy) and Paul (Lynn).

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday March 15, 2025 at Church of St. Luke the Beloved Physician, with Rev. Eric William Olsen officiating. Burial will take place at St. John's Cemetery in Paul Smiths in the spring.

Friends wishing to remember Ann E. Merkel may make memorial contributions to High Peaks Hospice in care of the funeral home. Family and friends can also share their condolences and memories at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.