Janet Josephine Merlo

She was born on July 17, 1940, to Louis Henry Berra and Margaret Amelia Tarantola. Janet grew up with a deep love for family and community, values that she carried throughout her life. On October 21, 1961, she married her one true love, James Joseph Merlo. Together for 62 years, they built a beautiful life filled with faith, family, and devotion.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents, her husband James, her grandsons Joseph Merlo, John Merlo, and Matthew Nikolai, and her sister-in-law Patricia Merlo. She is survived by her loving children Debbie Merlo, Tim Merlo (Cara), Bob Merlo, Maggie Nikolai (Phil), and Shelly Merlo. She was the proud grandmother of Jack Nikolai, Anna Merlo, Mark Merlo, and Sam Nikolai. She is also survived by her brothers Norman Berra (Toni) and Jim Berra (Mary), and her sister-in-law Kay Grein (John).

Janet’s life was defined by love, warmth, and hospitality. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, a devoted gardener, and a faithful keeper of Sunday family dinners. She was always on the go, cherished her close-knit neighborhood The Hill, enjoyed beach trips with her girlfriends, and outings with “The Club.” Janet was known for her thoughtful greeting cards, her radiant smile that greeted everyone she met, and the joy she found in creating connections.

Her kitchen was the heart of her home. Janet expressed her love through food—whether it was her legendary assortment of Christmas cookies carefully packed into tins, or the meals she served with generosity and care. No one ever left “Grandma’s house” with an empty belly or an empty heart.

Janet’s legacy is one of love, family, faith, and friendship. Her memory will live on in the stories, traditions, and countless acts of kindness she shared throughout her life.

A Visitation will be held at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary, located at 6464 Chippewa Street, St. Louis, MO 63109, on October 9, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Another Visitation will take place at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, located at 5130 Wilson Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110, on October 10, 2025, from 9:00 am to 9:30 am.

The Recitation of the Rosary will be held at St. Ambrose Catholic Church on October 10, 2025, at 9:30 am, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am. The Rite of Committal will occur at Resurrection Cemetery, located at 6901 MacKenzie Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123, on October 10, 2025, at 11:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the CBC Matthew Merlo Nikolai Memorial Scholarship Fund or to St. Ambrose Forever.