Virginia Ann Merker, 86, passed peacefully, surrounded by her family on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center, New Brunswick.

Virginia was born in Jersey City to the late Dr. Edwin James Valentine and Virginia Mary Valentine.  Following her graduation from high school she served as a secretary at the Raritan Arsenal on the former Camp Raritan now Edison. On June 4, 1960 she married the love of her life Donald F. Merker, and they've been doing everything together as a team ever since. She even worked as office manager for the family business, Edison Sweeping.

In her leisure time, first and foremost she treasured spending time with her beloved family. She loved going for rides in the car, shopping, watching movies and "Downton Abby."  She really enjoyed her trips to the casino with her honey, where she loved playing keno.

Virginia is survived by her husband and true love of 62 years Donald F. Merker; her two children and their spouses: Lori and James Kerins, and Donald E. and Jill Merker; grandchildren Brittney and Donald W. Merker; sister-in-law Joyce Martin, Janice DiGiulio, and brother-in-law Anthony L. DiGiulio; and brother-in-law August J. Merker and wife Maria; and several nieces and nephews.  Last, but not least she leaves to mourn her loss her "fur baby" Nicki and "grand-fur baby" Max.

Friends may call at the Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Ave., Fords on Friday, September 23, 2022 from 3:00pm – 7:00pm where funeral services will begin on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 9:00 am.  A Funeral Liturgy will follow at 9:30 am at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Fords.  Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery, Piscataway.  In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Virginia's memory to the Somerset County Animal Shelter, 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 (www.srasnj.org.)