Patricia Elaine Mertens

Patricia Elaine Bryan was born to George Robert Bryan and Jeanette Ford Bryan in Endicott, New York. Her father served in the United States Air Corp. He contracted Scrub Typhus Fever in New Guinea and succumbed to the disease August 10, 1944, leaving her mother a single mom and Pat and Charlotte without their father. Pat learned at an early age to be independent. She would tend to her chores so she and Charlotte could go to the Saturday movie matinees. They enjoyed Roy Rogers and would pretend to ride their “horses” all the way to the theatre. Every summer, they would travel to upstate New York to stay with their grandfather, Leroy DeWitt Ford and family in their lake cottage. She loved the beauty and the smells of the mountains, especially the gardens and cow fields of her grandfathers’ dairy farm. When Pat was in the 4th grade, she developed an illness that drew the family to the sunshine state. They settled in Miami where she became a saxophone player in the marching band. During senior year, Pat noticed a fellow in the cafeteria with bandaged hand. Always inclined to nurse, she was eager to learn what had happened. Well, Walter Warrant Mertens, Jr had injured himself in shop class and had cutoff the tips of 3 fingers! Sympathy won over and the rest is history. Thwarting her plans for nursing school and the intentions of their parents, Pat and Walt married on August 9, 1957 in Miami, Florida with a small gathering of family present. In the fall of 1959, they moved into a 35 ft trailer in Haymond’s Trailor Park in Jupiter, Florida. This is where the nucleus of their Jupiter family was formed. The Haymond crew are now multi-generational lifelong friends – Mertens, Planks, Archers, Brittains, Martins and the Farmers. Now expecting their 1st child, presumed to be their 1st born son “David”, Donna Jean Mertens, A GIRL, was born Christmas Day 1959. Two years later, “Chief Thunder Lungs” was born October 8, 1961, Michael Warren Mertens. Almost a year to the day later, John Robert Mertens was born, October 5, 1962. In the spring of 1963, the family moved to their new home in the Jupiter Highlands on Keith Road . Over the years, she raised her family and enjoyed bowling and softball. Pat began attending the People’s Congregational Church off Center Street in 1972. It was in bible study when the leader spoke of God’s love and told Pat how much God loved her and how he’d given his Son Jesus to cover her sins, give her eternal life and secure her future in heaven. That night while Pat was at home, she opened her heart to Jesus and she has never been the same since. She desired to learn more about her Lord and would share His Love with her family and friends. Pat became a “new creature”. Pat continued to be dedicated to her friends and family throughout the years, always putting others above herself. She enjoyed dressing up and playing pranks on her friends and family while in costume. She performed in church plays, participated in and hosted numerous fashion shows and was very involved in the Women’s Ministries, assisting the local elderly and volunteering as a Poll worker. Pat became a grandmother in 1978. She now has 5 Grandchildren: Matthew, Sarah, Jessica, Sabrina and Samuel; 11 Great-Grandchildren: Antonio, Cristain, Vincent, Joseph, Zoe, Wyatt, Ellie, Cooper, Hannah, Jack, Maggie and Baby Ella due in January; and 2 Great Great Grandchildren Noah and Levi; In August of 1999, after 36 years on Keith Road, Pat and Walt made the big decision to move to the mountains of Georgia. She once again got to experience fireplaces, gardens, snow and enjoy the fragrance of cattle and fresh cow pies. They met many wonderful people in Blairsville. They attended First Baptist Church of Blairsville where she ran the church kitchen, feeding 250 people every Wednesday night. She also cared for her husband following his quintuple bypass surgery in 2003, In addition to volunteering her time at the regional hospice, she had a passion for writing. She was thrilled to have her “Critter Crossing Chronicles” published in the local weekly paper. She went on to develop a country wide following, where she would print, personalize and mail her newsletters to friends and family throughout the United States. She also continued to volunteer at the polls and worked at McDonald’s – Her Favorite restaurant. In February 2004, Pat traveled to upstate New York to help care for her lifelong friend Bonnie. She awoke one morning experiencing several troubling symptoms. In line with her stubborn nature, Pat choose to ignore her difficulty speaking, numbness in her right arm and difficulty concentrating and proceeded to attempt cooking breakfast. While on the phone with her daughter, Donna quickly realized something was wrong and had Bonnie call 911. Pat was experiencing a major stroke. The impact was major but the Glory of God is even greater. With great persistence and determination, coupled with miracles, Pat was soon on the road to recovery. Pat eventually resumed her writings but not without great effort. She continued to insist on personalizing each copy of her “Critter Crossing Chronicles” and hand addressing each mailing. She enjoyed her frequent US Post Office “end of day” visits to mail her newsletters, care packages and purchase the latest release of postage stamps. By 2008, it was time to get Pat and Walt into a simpler house layout and closer to family. They left their 3-story mountain home to move into a custom single-story home that their son Johnny built for them out in Oklahoma. The new home was built with their lifestyle and tastes in mind, it even included a family of deer and numerous birds and other critters that frequented the yard. Pat was a huge fan of Sabrina and Samuel’s many sports and Sunday dinners with the family. As their health continued to decline. Pat and Walt moved back to Jupiter in December 2015 where they could be surrounded by even more family and friends. Walt passed away in December of 2017, shortly after which, her son Michael moved back from Oklahoma to help care for her. As her caregiver in her last years, he afforded Pat the ability to live at home during her later years. This was one of her very strong desires and it was the greatest gift. Pat will forever be remembered for her special qualities: her sense of humor, servants’ heart, gift of hospitality, sacrificial giving, excellent cooking, flare for drama, journaling, her great love of country and her love for her family and friends. Pat was happiest when serving the Lord and spending time with family. She will be greatly missed by all.

Patricia Elaine Mertens

April 24, 1939 - November 22, 2024