Obituary of Susan Warfield Mertz

In Loving Memory... Susan Warfield Mertz's struggle with frontotemporal dementia ended on Monday January 11, 2010. She died peacefully, at the age of 63, in the presence of her 2 daughters. Susan was born on December 13th, 1946 and lived in Bethesda, MD and Takoma Park, MD for most of her life. Susan is survived by daughters, Jennifer Lynne Mertz (Hugh O'Malley) of Silver Spring, MD; Jessica Marie Mitchell (Scott) of Takoma Park, MD; and 2 grand children, Addison & Celia Mitchell. She is preceeded in death by her sister, Bonnie Podpaly of Sarasota, FL. Susan gave 30 plus years of service to the Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO) and was a devoted and loving Mother and friend. A celebration of remembrance has been scheduled for Saturday, February 20, 2010 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Paint Branch Unitarian Universalist Church, 3215 Powder Mill Road, Adelphi, MD, 20783 (P) 301-937-3666 To all friends and family who have reached out to offer our families support, we thank you. We especially thank those who offered guidance in matters of dementia care. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a devastating cognitive disorder. On Monday, Mom died at the early age of 63. Today she rests in peace. We can only hope that in the days and years ahead, more research, funding, guidance and support will alleviate the struggles for those now or soon to be afflicted. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be given in Susan's honor to http://www.ftd-picks.org/ or http://memory.ucsf.edu/ftd/. Finally, in hopes that you will share your memories of Susan (Susie), please visit our memorial guestbook below. Again, thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Much love, Jenn & Jess