Monday, April 7, 2014
I have known Renee and Frank since 1966.
We met when their son Frankie was 10 mos. old through a friend, Nancy Campbell, who also had a little baby boy.My adopted son was three mos. younger than Frankie. They came to visit me at my home, and the three babies had a great time. We had a large yard and pool, and the Merlinos and Campbells became regular visitors.
Since they celebrated Christmas on Dec. 25th and we celebrated on the 24th, we started the tradition of spending Christmas Eve at my home -- from 1966 to 1984, when my family and I moved out of state for a year. We celebrated, complete with Santa Claus.
We also discovered that the Merlinos' wedding anniversary was the day before my husband's and mine (theirs was the 22nd of Dec. and ours was the 23rd), so we started celebrating our wedding anniversaries together. Two years after our boys were born, Renee gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, and I had the privilege of naming her -- Maria Renee Merlino. While she was in the hospital, Frankie came and stayed at my home, so his dad could go to the hospital and visit his mother. A few months later, my husband and I adopted another child. As it turned out, we were celebrating Renee's birthday on July 7, by the pool. She was about to blow out her candles when we received a phone call from the doctor, telling me that my husband and I were the proud parents of a beautiful blonde baby boy. Since he was born on Renee's birthday, she became his godmother.A few months later, Nancy Campbell adopted a baby boy, so our little group now had six children. It was a wonderful time in all of our lives, planning outings for our children, swimming at my home, having Easter Egg hunts, and celebrating Christmas together. Renee and I used to get our husbands to babysit on Sunday nights, so we could play bingo. She was always very lucky. Our family moved to Tucson in 1985 for ten years, then I returned to Phoenix in 1995 after my husband's death. Renee immediately got in touch with me and after I retired in 1999, recruited me as a volunteer for OASIS. She also recruited me for the Westside Unit of AASRA.
We would meet on occasional weekends to go to brunch at Mimi's and go to a movie, or just visit. I cherish the many years we were friends and all of the wonderful memories. She was a very dear friend, and a great mother and wife. I loved her very, very much, and will never forget her great sense of humor. I know these last years were difficult with her illness, but she was a real survivor, and tried hard to conquer it. At least she is no longer in pain, and is at peace. My love, sympathy and prayers go out to her family -- Frank, Maria, Frankie, Teri, Emily and Pete. I will miss her very much.
Sigrid Whitman

My dear friend,Renee, will be greatly missed by me.  We would phone 
each other daily and talk and talk about everything.  She battled her cancer
so well for years but this last year was a real challenge for her. She put up
a good fight and complaints were few. We enjoyed our retirement from
Sahuaro and I shall treasure my memories of our trip to Italy.  My heart goes out to Frank, Maria, Frank Jr, Terri, Emily and Pete.  You were fortunate to
be in her life for many,many years.   Nancy Frank

I was so sorry to hear of Renee's passing.  She was a wonderful librarian at Sahuaro School.  My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family.

It was with great sadness that we learned of Renee's passing. We are sending prayers for peace and strength during this difficult time. 
-Mike and Patty (McDermott) Hineman

Old memories of us all at Sahuaro will always be with us.  Our sympathy goes out to your family and friends.

We send our prayers and deepest condolences to Frank and your family. Best regards, Bill & Lynn Geller

OBITUARY

Renee Merlino

July 7, 1935 – March 27, 2014

West Resthaven Funeral Home & Resthaven Park Cemetery

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