Harriet Leadeth (Lobb) Merva

Harriet Merva  (nee Lobb).  Age 88.  Passed away after a brief illness on March 30th.  Beloved wife of 62 years to the late John "Ed".  Loving mother of Dwayne (deceased), Greg and Diane (deceased). Dear sister, special aunt and great aunt to many. Memorial mass will be held Thursday, April 11th, 11:00 a.m. at St. Clarence Catholic Church 30106 Lorain Road in North Olmsted. Private inurnment Holy Cross Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the church.  Harriet was long time resident of North Olmsted who enjoyed traveling, bingo, cards and Irish music. 

 Granddaughter Ashley Merva.  Dear Sister of Faye Brandt (George) of Englishtown, NJ, Alan Zerle Lobb of Osceola Mills, PA, Lerlene Rosko (Michael) of Canfield, OH, Clyde Lobb (deceased), Shirley of Bunnell, FL and  12 nieces and nephews, 19 great nieces and nephews, 10 great, great nieces and nephews and many cousins.  Harriet was born June 23, 1935 to the late Clifford and Pearl Lobb at home in Chester Hill, PA by midwife. She was a drum majorette and baton twirler for Osceola Mills, PA school. The family moved to Elizabeth, NJ where she graduated from Battin High School in 1954. Her first job was a cashier at the Regent Movie Theater, Broad St. Elizabeth, NJ., then as a secretary for Burry Biscuits, Newark Ave. Elizabeth NJ. Note: They make Girl Scout Cookies, yum! Harriet married John Merva February 11, 1956 in St. Hedwig Church, Elizabeth, NJ. They moved to Lakewood, Ohio to their first home and had their three children. Harriet waitressed for Wagners of Westlake Event Center, Westlake, OH then took on a cleaning position at a Westlake Hotel and was promoted to management. She completed her working years at the Lakewood Country Club with various positions. Throughout her working years she volunteered as a poll worker for about 35 years and cooked and cleaned for St. Clarence Church. She was also instrumental in the fundraising through Bingo at the church to build the recreational center.

Entertainment anyone? Since all of Harriet's nieces and nephews lived in NJ in our youth and many still do and still young at heart, we were amused by the parks of the area. These were special planned visits. Sea World, that went out with a splash,  Geauga Lake, now Six Flags, and Cedar Point. Fabulous memories and great stories to tell when started the new school year.

Harriet loved her Bingo, bridge club and was also a member of the Juliettes Luncheon Club of North Olmsted, Senior Center. She was talented in crochet and made many afghans some of which we still have and use. She put paint to brush with ceramics making her prized light house lamp.  If you were lucky to be around when she was making her peanut butter fudge, you know she made it from memory. The kitchen smelled wonderful! Ice cream anyone? No visit was complete without a walk to Dairy King. Her favorite was the chocolate and vanilla twist. I can confirm she enjoyed this at the end of the 2023 Season. Her favorite meal was spaghetti with red pasta sauce. Like any good Lobb she loved her bread. This was raised in her by the homemade loaves her mother made. Every slice accompanied by a cup of tea. A committed Cleveland Browns fan. Loved game shows, Wheel of Fortune on top.
Shopping was a fun thing to do, finding everything in her favorite color, Beige. Tweety made her heart sing but Ireland captured her heart. Harriet loved God, and family, was devoted to church and enjoyed the sweet things in life as much as the simple. Pansies for your thoughts?

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