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/
04/15/2023
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Aunt Merle will be greatly missed by all who knew her and loved her. She was always supportive, always never to busy to chat, always encouraging, always happy, generous beyond measure, and never judge mental!!! Not sure what all of us are going to do without her in our daily lives!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🥰
It’s our with our condolences.to the family during this time of grievance. .We pray that the loving arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ continue to be a comfort to you as you remember your beloved Aunt with the wonderful celebration of her life. ” “Always remembering to be absent from this body is to be present with the Lord”. May God Bless and Keep each and every one of you…
Mr. Arnold & Keysa Bell (Deacon)/ C/o worker of Tammy Snyder
Tammy, I’m truly to hear about the loss of your aunt. I know she meant the world to you and will be greatly missed. Just think of all the good times to give you comfort at this time.
With Love,
CPT Williams
Aunt Merle was a lovely woman, and I know she will be missed terribly. I look forward to sharing special memories and gathering to celebrate her life.