Obituary of Madeline Anna Mertz

Madeline Anna Mertz (Brown), 92, of Bainbridge, NY, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Madeline was born on March 21, 1932, in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, to William and Edith (Stark) Brown. She attended grade school in Susquehanna, NY, moved to the Binghamton area after the death of her father, and graduated from Binghamton School of Practical Nursing at Christopher Columbus in 1959. Eventually, Madeline and her husband George opened a private care nursing facility in Bainbridge, NY. Throughout her life, Madeline was called on many times to care for children who were challenged by health conditions, both physical and mental. Through her loving ways, she cared for each as if they were her own. Madeline was wholly devoted to her family and God, a devout Roman Catholic and a member of the Franciscan Order. Madeline was the heart and soul of her community, a mother of nine who extended her love and protection to all. Her warm, inviting home was filled with the aroma of freshly baked goods, and nobody ever needed to knock on her door. Known for her famous homemade bread, Madeline's generosity knew no bounds. She and her husband made sure that those unable to leave their homes received not only fresh bread but also a dose of kindness. Her gentle hands belied a fierce protectiveness, especially when it came to children, all of whom she endearingly called "little ones." Madeline's advocacy for children and her outspokenness on community matters left an indelible mark, and her unwavering love touched the lives of many. She was profiled numerous times in various newspapers, which would often find her letters to the editor voicing advocacy for the "little ones." Raising a family in a small town, she wanted to ensure that her nine children were exposed to the cultures of the world, so she brought the world to Bainbridge. She welcomed children from NYC during the summertime to her home through the Fresh Air Children Program, sponsored youth from Camp Brace, bringing challenged youth into her home for Thanksgiving and following their progress through the program. Her home was home to so many from other countries, with exchange students from all over Europe, Australia, and South America. Her impact on the lives of many is a testament to her selflessness and the gratitude we all feel for having known her. Madeline's love and commitment to the Roman Catholic Church were nothing short of profound and inspiring. She held an unwavering belief in God's eternal love and saw true faith as a guiding force in life. Being a lifetime member of the Altar Rosary Society at St. John's The Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Bainbridge, NY, and a devoted member of the Franciscan Order, her faith was the cornerstone of her existence. Madeline's profound faith gently led those straying from their spiritual path to find solace and purpose through faith. Even in her final days, Madeline sought comfort in the Holy Mass and comfort in the belief that she would be reunited with her beloved family in Heaven. Her profound devotion to the church and her unyielding faith not only touched the lives of many but also served as a guiding light for those around her in times of darkness. Madeline and George, the love of her life, were married for nearly 75 years until his recent passing in June. She is survived by eight children: George (Carmella) Mertz and their three sons Jason, Aaron (Hailey) and Kyle (Sara); Philip Mertz and his son Alex (Alison); Karen (Herbert) Volkert and their daughters Amanda, Kristina, Tiffany (Justin) and Nicole; Lawrence (Karen) Mertz and their sons Patrick (Emily) and Michael; Dr. Melita Mertz; Lisa (Jeffrey) Horton (predeceased) and their children Joshua, Andrew, Brittany (Lee) Menapace and Matthew; John (Annalisa) Mertz and their children Giuliana and Giancarlo; Denise (Stephen) Terrano; and David Mertz and his children Ellie and Mitchell. George is also survived by his sisters Ellen Hogan and Augusta (Gussie) Shifflett and many many nieces and nephews. Madeline was predeceased by her husband George barely two months ago, and their beautiful daughter Lisa, granddaughter Jessica Lynne, daughter-in-law Maria, her parents William and Edith (Stark-Carr) Brown, brother Francis Brown, and sisters Rosa Marie Brown and Caroline Devaul. Visitation hours will be held for relatives, friends, and guests on Friday, August 23, 2024, at C.H. Landers Funeral Home, Sidney, NY, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be celebrated with a Mass of Christian burial to be held at St. John's the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Bainbridge, New York, on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 11 a.m., followed by a burial at the Greenlawn Cemetery in Bainbridge, NY. Flowers provided by Darlene's Flower World 607-967-3773. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the maintenance of The Blessed Mother at St. John's the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Bainbridge, NY (34 S Main St, Bainbridge, NY 13733) Share condolences and memories with the family online at www.landersfh.com.