Constance “Connie” E. Merlene (nee: Johnson) age 83, of Chardon, peacefully passed away on July 13, 2023, at her home shortly after hearing the voices of loved ones. Born to Marzella (Morgan) Johnson and Frederick Abiathe Johnson on October 30, 1939, in Ashtabula, Ohio. She was raised by loving stepfather Edward Copeland Sr.

She graduated from Ashtabula High School in 1958. While still in high school, she began working at the Ashtabula Star Beacon and continued to work there after graduation. This is where she met the love of her life, Marion “Lou” Merlene, who later became her husband of 55 years. She went on to work at First Merit, retiring after 15 years in 2000.

In 2000, they moved to Leesburg, Florida to enjoy their retirement. Connie enjoyed bowling, billiards, swimming, biking, teaching line dancing, tennis, reading, walking, going on family vacations and much more.

She enjoyed life and always made the most of what she was doing at that moment in time. As a mother, she always made time for her two boys, whether it was playing games, swimming, playing catch in the front yard or baking their favorite cookies. Willing to try almost anything, she even tried body surfing on a Myrtle Beach vacation in order to spend more time with her boys. As a daughter, sibling, wife, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, friend co-worker etc., she always enjoyed spending time with and hearing from people in her life. She truly cared for all family and friends and included them all in her prayers. Even saying extra prayers for those in their time of need.

She is survived by her sons, Steven (Dawn) Merlene of Chardon, Ohio and Jason (Kate) Merlene of Kent, Ohio. Grandchildren, Austin (Rachel) Arnold, Allison Arnold and Clara Merlene. Great grandchild, Finley Louis. She also leaves siblings, Sharon (George) Hakkarainen, Claudia Hakkarainen, Edward (Mary) Copeland Jr, Beth (Jerry) Sparks. Many nieces and nephews and lifelong friends since childhood, Joanne (Armstrong) Bressler and Joanne (Jones) Rocco.

Preceded in death by her parents Edward and Marzella Copeland. Husband Lou Merlene. Siblings Frederick Abiathe Johnson Jr., Patricia (Johnson) Kudlock, and Melodie (Copeland) Conley. Also brother-in-laws Steve Kudlock, Jim Hakkarainen and Ray Conley.

Constance “Connie” E. Merlene (nee: Johnson) age 83, of Chardon, peacefully passed away on July 13, 2023, at her home shortly after hearing the voices of loved ones. Born to Marzella (Morgan) Johnson and Frederick Abiathe Johnson on October 30, 1939, in Ashtabula, Ohio. She was raised by loving stepfather Edward Copeland Sr.

She graduated from Ashtabula High School in 1958. While still in high school, she began working at the Ashtabula Star Beacon and continued to work there after graduation. This is where she met the love of her life, Marion “Lou” Merlene, who later became her husband of 55 years. She went on to work at First Merit, retiring after 15 years in 2000.

In 2000, they moved to Leesburg, Florida to enjoy their retirement. Connie enjoyed bowling, billiards, swimming, biking, teaching line dancing, tennis, reading, walking, going on family vacations and much more.

She enjoyed life and always made the most of what she was doing at that moment in time. As a mother, she always made time for her two boys, whether it was playing games, swimming, playing catch in the front yard or baking their favorite cookies. Willing to try almost anything, she even tried body surfing on a Myrtle Beach vacation in order to spend more time with her boys. As a daughter, sibling, wife, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, friend co-worker etc., she always enjoyed spending time with and hearing from people in her life. She truly cared for all family and friends and included them all in her prayers. Even saying extra prayers for those in their time of need.

She is survived by her sons, Steven (Dawn) Merlene of Chardon, Ohio and Jason (Kate) Merlene of Kent, Ohio. Grandchildren, Austin (Rachel) Arnold, Allison Arnold and Clara Merlene. Great grandchild, Finley Louis. She also leaves siblings, Sharon (George) Hakkarainen, Claudia Hakkarainen, Edward (Mary) Copeland Jr, Beth (Jerry) Sparks. Many nieces and nephews and lifelong friends since childhood, Joanne (Armstrong) Bressler and Joanne (Jones) Rocco.

Preceded in death by her parents Edward and Marzella Copeland. Husband Lou Merlene. Siblings Frederick Abiathe Johnson Jr., Patricia (Johnson) Kudlock, and Melodie (Copeland) Conley. Also brother-in-laws Steve Kudlock, Jim Hakkarainen and Ray Conley.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements made by Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Chardon, Ohio. Information and condolences on-line at www.burrservice.com