Merle died in January, 2022 at the age of 78. She was a tireless problem solver, taking particular pride in being the mother you needed rather than the mother you wanted. She was an advocate on behalf of autistic children, challenging authority to ensure her own children got the education and care they were entitled to. She had a daughter and son with her late husband. Merle was known as the: Doll Lady of Chicago. She appraised collections and gave lectures at the Museum of Science and Industry. Merle also bought and sold antique and collectable dolls. Her personal collection included thousands of dolls. She was also passionate about domestic and international travel, foreign cuisines, art house films, and creative writing.