Merle Jean Dipilla

Merle Jean DiPilla passed away at the age of 75 at her home in Alexandria, Virginia on April 5 , 2023, after an extended battle with cancer. She was born in Burlington, New Jersey on November 19, 1947, to Helen Smith and Clarence Vernon.

Merle worked as a seamstress at a young age and loved to do hair. She had a long tenure as an assembly line worker with General Motors from 1977-2006 and retired in Delaware, then moved back to New Jersey. She loved to read romance novels, cook, bake, and was a genius at decorating homes. She loved her “TV SHOWS”, David Muir, and Wheel of Fortune!

After spending a lifetime in New Jersey, Merle moved to the Northern Virginia area in 2018 to live with her niece, Tammy with whom she shared many of her happiest moments in life. She has an extended family of nieces, nephews, and grandchildren in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Merle had the most generous heart, infectious smile and will be missed greatly by her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her sister Betsy “Bubbie” and paternal twin Dorothy “Dotty”. Merle has one living sister, Alice “Tootsie” Engle of Pottstown, PA and one son, Neil Salaga who resides in Bolivia, NC.

Friends may send flowers or condolences to the family at 8721 Gateshead Road, Alexandria, Va 22309 or on our website: https://www.cunninghamfuneralhome.net/obituary/merle-jean-dipilla/