Merle R. Waite

Merle was the beloved wife of Gene Waite to whom she was married for 52 years. Gene and Merle met in England while Gene was serving in the US Air Force. Upon completion of Gene’s service, they moved back to the US where they raised their family in Waukesha, WI and Wilmette, IL. After living in Arlington Heights, her last years were spent at Thrive at Lake County where she received great care in the memory care unit.

Merle was the devoted mother of two sons, Ross (Jane), William (Jeanine), and one daughter, Karen (Ross Panzke and the late Robert) Conway; six grandchildren, Katherine (Katie) (Chris) Tatak, Sarah (Nathan) Mathiot, Jennifer (Jenny) (Matt) McDougall, Christine Waite, Adam Waite and Elizabeth (Luke) Atnip, and 9 great grandchildren.

Merle is also survived by her sister Marguerite (Malcolm) Newell and brother-in-law Walter Micallef and many nieces and nephews.

Merle was preceded in death by her parents, brothers James (Doris) Roe, William (Rita) Roe, and sister Diana Micallef.

Merle enjoyed raising her family and providing love and support to her family and friends. Merle was an avid gardener and created a park like environment at their home in Wilmette as well as in Arlington Heights. Merle was also a wonderful seamstress and textile crafter always creating wonderful pieces for her family. Merle never met an animal she was not happy to care for and enjoyed her visits with the Comfort Dogs of Lutheran Church Charities at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church as well as at Thrive of Lake County. Merle’s steady hand, practical approach to problems and strong Christian faith will be greatly missed.

We would like to extend our great appreciation for the kindness, love and care provided by Kate and Deb and all the resources of Journey Care Hospice.

A visitation at church will be held on March 17, 2026, from 10:00 am until the time of Funeral mass at 11:00 am at St. Peter Lutheran Church and School 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Burial to follow at Memory Garden Cemetery 2501 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights, IL 60004.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to

The Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate

Or to

Lutheran Church Charities K9 Comfort Dogs https://www.lutheranchurchcharities.org/memorial--honor-of1.html