Eileen Merlina

Eileen Merlina, 80, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026.  She grew up and lived her life in the Pittsburgh area and is survived by her ex-husband, 5 children and 6 grandchildren, as well as many other family members and friends.  She was preceded in death by her three brothers and two sisters.

Eileen (AKA Ma, AKA Joween, AKA Mucca, AKA Meeka, AKA Goorah, AKA Gramma) made an impression on those around her with her dry, awkwardly-dark sense of humor and endearing quirks.  Eileen’s dimpled smile, fondness for ice cream, epic Thanksgivings, and her mastery of studying the family tree and tracking ancestry are only a few things that made her so special.  She was a proud former “Tupperware Lady” and helped orchestrate many memorable family vacations (that are still talked about to this day!) when her kids were growing up. She loved music and shared that passion with her kids, a lasting legacy that they will carry on every time they listen to a song she enjoyed.  Eileen was also an animal lover, and the many dogs, cats, bunnies (and even a few rats) she cared for over the years were the lucky ones, and they brought her unparalleled joy and comfort through the years.

Eileen was no stranger to challenges in life.   She learned to stand her ground when she needed to and had a special knack for pointing out the worst-case scenario to help you feel better about your own. Up until her last day, she showed us that she would do things in her own way and on her own terms.

Eileen’s resilience and stoicism were evident to those who loved her, so it was a true delight to witness her really living life by riding her bike on the GAP Trail from Pittsburgh to Washington DC, alongside her childhood best friend; warding off bears in Alaska; or by humbly showing her artistic genius with her crocheting and drawings: all quiet displays of her fortitude.

In her own unassuming way, Eileen showed us all that grit and resiliency aren’t characteristics for display. They are the inner workings of a survivor who marches on. Eileen, your comfort, peace, and an endless supply of ice cream have been more than earned in this lifetime. So, march (or pedal) on, Ma!  You have about a hundred four-legged friends patiently waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge!

A sincere thank you to the staff at Arden Courts for the care they gave Eileen over the last few months and for treating her with the kindness and dignity she deserved. And a big thanks to the nurses, staff, and clinicians at AHN Jefferson Hospital for the compassionate, end-of-life care and comfort they provided to Eileen and her whole family.

Family and friends will be received at Pittsburgh Cremation and Funeral Care, 5405 Steubenville Pike, Robinson Township, PA 15136, on Thursday, September 10, 2026.  A service will be held at 2:00pm, with visitation thereafter until 7:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Montour Trail in Eileen’s name: https://montourtrail.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate