On January 4, 2017, Patricia Tighe Merkert (89), beloved wife of Eugene Hayes Merkert, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. Mother of Maureen Lalley (John), Hayes Merkert, Jr. (Molly Dixon), J. Tighe Merkert (Irene Syrnyk), Megan Hoffman (Bob), Bob Merkert (Kathleen Boyd), Tricia Bell (Brad) and Tom Merkert (Stephanie Schut); dedicated grandmother of Tricia,  Robert,  Michaela, Jennifer, Tara, John, Hayes, John Michael, Maggie, Ali, Josie, Robert, Keegan, Drew, Matthew, Patrick, Tommy, Morgan, and Natalie, ten great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Pat is survived by two sisters Aloyse Gillespie of Grand Rapids, MI and Margaret Keating of Bloomfield Hills, MI. She is preceded in death by her brothers John Tighe, Thomas Tighe, and Robert Tighe.

Patricia Tighe Merkert was born 5/28/1927 in Detroit Michigan, the fifth child of John Joseph Tighe and Genevieve Anastasia Milet's six children.  She grew up during The Great Depression and attended St. Mary's of Redford, Marygrove College, and University of Detroit at night while working during the day. She began her career as a buyer for J.L. Hudson Company of Detroit purchasing fine women's clothing. Pat was introduced to Gene Merkert of Larchmont, NY, through Lee Keating, a mutual friend who later became their brother-in-law when he married her sister Margaret Tighe.  Married in 1951, Pat and Gene began their family in New York and Connecticut before moving to the Chartwell neighborhood of Severna Park, Maryland in 1964.  They enjoyed 65 years together raising their children, entertaining, traveling, and celebrating holidays with family and friends. Although she was an avid golfer and competitive tennis player, her real passion was for ice skating. She never missed an opportunity to lace up her racing skates and sprint around a nearby pond.

After raising seven children and volunteering in the Junior League, Christ Child Society, and numerous charities, Pat began her thirty-year real estate career together with Hayes, Megan, and Tricia. Her keen sense of business and passion for helping others led her to be a top producer in Anne Arundel County. She was delighted to work with her children and to help many family and friends over the years.

Four generations gathered for a tribute to Pat on Christmas Eve. Pat and Gene listened, holding hands, while the children and grandchildren's favorite memories of her were read aloud.

A beautiful legacy of encouragement, compassion, faith, and love has been shown to us.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday January 13, 2017 from 4-7:00pm in the Barranco & Sons, P.A Severna Park Funeral Home 495 Ritchie hwy Severna Park, MD 21146. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday January 14, 2017 at 11:00am in the Bay Area Community Church 884 Chesterfield Rd. Annapolis, MD 21401.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name may be made to Bay Area Community Church Ministries, 884 Chesterfield Road, Annapolis, MD 21401 or Hospice of the Chesapeake.