Merle Weiss

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in July 1938, to Joseph and Eve Rosenbaum, Merle moved to Miami in the late 1960s and made South Florida her home. It was here that she eventually met Daniel Weiss, the love of her life, who became her husband and life partner of 55 years.

Merle believed life was meant to be lived fully, with style, color, humor, generosity, and, whenever possible, something fabulous.

That spirit was perhaps best embodied by Merle's Closet, the Miami Beach business she owned and operated. Merle's Closet reflected Merle herself: distinctive, welcoming, wonderfully unconventional, and always Fabulous. Merle had an extraordinary eye for fashion, art, and people, and her business became part of the colorful fabric of Miami Beach.

Merle's impact, however, extended far beyond her business. She was a passionate champion of the arts and an active participant in Miami Beach civic and cultural life. Over the years, she served the community through organizations and initiatives supporting the visual and performing arts and helped strengthen Miami Beach's vibrant cultural landscape.

She was also a devoted and outspoken ally of South Florida's LGBTQ community. Merle supported organizations, events, artists, friends, and causes that promoted equality, acceptance, and the freedom for people to live authentically. Her commitment was not simply something she spoke about, it was reflected in the people she welcomed, the organizations she supported, and the friendships she treasured throughout her life.

Merle and Daniel were recognized for their contributions to the community, including honors celebrating their support of the arts and LGBTQ causes. Merle was someone who showed up, got involved, supported the people and organizations she believed in, and made certain there was always a little more energy, glamour, laughter, and fun in the room.

Above all else, Merle cherished her family.

Merle was pre-deceased by her sister, Roberta Morrison and her ex-husband Richard Telepman. She is survived by Daniel Weiss, her beloved husband and life partner of 55 years; her sons, Matthew Brett Telepman and his wife, Cristina Telepman; Douglas Jon Telepman and his wife, Toni Telepman; and James Scott Telepman and his wife, Susan Telepman; and her cherished grandchildren, Jakob Richard Telepman, Gabriela Rose Telepman, Blair Rachel Telepman, Zachary Ryan Telepman, and Josh Tyler Telepman.

Merle leaves behind a life filled with family, friendships, creativity, advocacy, generosity, and countless memories. Those who knew her will remember her unmistakable personality, her sense of style, her loyalty to the people and causes she loved, and her ability to make life just a little more fabulous.

She will be deeply missed and joyfully remembered.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 7, at 11 a.m., at Riverside Gordon Memorial Chapels at Mt. Nebo Kendall, 5900 S.W. 77 Ave., Miami, FL 33143, at the Chapel.

Funeral services will be followed by Shiva and Celebration of Life at 9 Island Ave., Bay Room, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Complimentary valet parking.

To read the Miami Herald article by Howard Cohen, please click the link below.

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/obituaries/article317496061.html