Obituary of Margot Mergen

MERGEN – Margot, (Vallender), 84 of Ebensburg, died September 1, 2011 at Altoona Regional Health System, Altoona Campus. Born August 16, 1927 in Bad Neunahr-Arweiler, Germany the daughter of the late Arnold Franz Vallender and Edith Wilhelms. Margot grew up in Germany during the difficult war years. She later worked as a translator for the German and the French governments. She met Paul N. Mergen of Revloc, when he served in the Army and was stationed in Landstuhl, Germany. They were married in Bad Neuenahr, Germany on February 14th, 1953. She and newborn daughter Bianca returned with him to live in the United States following his military service. They were married for 54 years. Paul preceded her in death in 2007. She is survived by her loving younger sister Brigitte Neel, of Bad Neuenahr-Arweiler, Germany, who was visiting the United States at the time with her son and Margot’s nephew Christian Neel, and by her four children: Bianca McNulty and close friend Joe Moxin of Hollidaysburg; Derrick and his wife Irene of Indiana; Nicolyn, and her husband Fred of North Highlands, California; and Dorian and his wife Mary of Kingston, Tennessee. Also survived by grandchildren: Kurt (wife Lisa) and Dane Mergen, Erin McNulty (fiancé Dave Stephens), Gwendolyn Colbert, Callie, and Payden Mergen. Margot spoke five languages, and was a passionate reader, including literature and novels in her native German language. She telephoned Germany and spoke with her sister nearly every day. She was an avid Pittsburgh Steeler fan and enjoyed knitting and crocheting. She especially enjoyed caring for her beloved pet cats. Friends will be received from 12:00 noon until the time of Memorial Service at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday at the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes, Inc., Ebensburg, Mr. Jim Tomb, lay minister, officiating. Interment at Lloyd Cemetery, Ebensburg. Since Margot loved her pet cats, the family suggests donations to the National A.S.A.P.C.