Obituary of Florence Merow

Florence Lombardi Merow, 91, of Morgantown, passed away Saturday, February 8, 2014 at home. She was born in Detroit, Michigan on December 15, 1922, a daughter of the late Guiesseppi and Luisa Lombardi. Florence was a graduate of Follansbee High School, Follansbee, WV. She also graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor degree in Secondary Education. She attended Johns Hopkins University pursuing a Master's degree in Drama. After a teaching career in Maryland and Ohio, Florence and her husband, the late Dr. William W. Merow, returned to Morgantown in 1965, where Dr. Merow helped establish the WVU Department of Orthodontics. Florence was very active in city, county, and state government, serving over 25 years in elected public offices. Florence was elected to seven consecutive terms on Morgantown City Council, serving two terms as Mayor of Morgantown and two terms as Deputy Mayor. She was a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates for two terms and a Monongalia County Commissioner for two terms. She also served as the program director of the American Lung Association; was founder of the award winning Mason-Dixon Festival of West Virginia; former chairman of the Mon County United Way Campaign, charter member of the Main Street Morgantown and WV Botanical Garden, a member of the West Virginia Municipal League, Morgantown Women's Club, Morgantown Kiwanis Club, Zonta International and other various organizations. She was also an active member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church for many years. Florence was very instrumental in developing plans for the Hazel Ruby McQuain Riverfront Park and Trails, the Krepps Park swimming pool and the Morgantown Ice Rink. She worked on many other community-wide projects to benefit the citizens of Monongalia County. Florence is survived by two sons and their spouses, Bill and Marie Merow of Charlotte, NC, Bob and Jan Merow of Morgantown; four grandchildren, Julie Merow of Morgantown, and Joe Merow, Rachel Mahoney, and Marty Mahoney of Charlotte, NC. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. William W. Merow; three sisters, Molly Ann Lombardi, Mary DeAngelis, and Theresa Craven; two brothers, Mario Lombardi and John Lombardi. Florence was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Following Florence's request, a private family funeral will be held at East Oak Grove Cemetery. Contributions in her name may be made to Christian Help, Inc., 219 Walnut Street, Morgantown, WV 26505. Send condolences online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.