Frances Camille Merlina

FRANCES (ACRI) MERLINA (NANA), 105, of Harrisburg, walked through the gates of Heaven holding the hands of the Blessed Mother and her son, Jesus, on February 1, 2015. Her life is now complete. She was born on a farm on April 28, 1909, in Halifax, PA, the daughter of John & Josephine Acri. She was five years old when her mother passed away and she and her sister, Mary, went to live at the Sylvan Heights Home, an orphanage for young girls. Her brother Mike went to live with an uncle. At the age of 16, her family reunited in Shipoke and she went on to graduate from beauty school. She worked at Kauffman's Department Store on the square in Harrisburg. In 1929, during the Depression, she married the love of her life, Andrew Merlina, and started her second career of raising four children; Andrew, Jr. (Bette), Camille (Hugh Kelly), who is deceased, Joe (Shirley), and Dave (Cheryl). She had twelve grandchildren, twenty one great grandchildren, and seven great, great grandchildren. In July 1980, she lost her husband, who was also her best friend, and her daughter Camille, after a long illness. Her last years have been spent at Homeland Center, which is a preview to Heaven. She was surrounded by angels every minute. One great moment was the 105th birthday party put on by Homeland. Chuck Rhodes' TV Show, "Let's Go Places," and the Patriot News went all out to make it a huge success. A viewing will be held Thursday, February 5, 2015, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, in the Neill Funeral Home, 3501 Derry Street, Harrisburg, with a Rosary at 7:30 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, February 6, 2015, at 10:00 am, at Holy Family Church, 555 S. 25th Street, Harrisburg. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Harrisburg. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Homeland Center, 1901 N. 5th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102.