Adeline Merwin

On July 19, 2011, Adeline A. Merwin departed this earthly existence in the presence of family and friends in Alamo, California. Though the shining star above the Merwin family tree has dimmed, Heaven is now brighter by far, and she has joyfully been reunited with her beloved Archie.

Although the Merwin family is deeply saddened, we take comfort in knowing that she lived a long and meaningful life and was richly blessed with wonderful family, friends and happy times.

Adeline was born in Hatley, WI to Dora and Anton Pozorski. She eventually settled in Wausau, WI where she met the love of her life, Archie Merwin. The two were married in Redbank, NJ where Archie was stationed and called to duty for World War II. Upon returning from the Pacific, Archie and Adeline resumed their lives in Wausau, where they raised 3 children.

For the most part, Adeline was a stay-at-home mother and housewife. She diligently assisted Archie in maintaining the properties they owned and she excelled at staining and painting. Some of her other interests included arts and crafts, spending time at their cottage on Lake Oneida, canning all kinds of fruits and vegetables, cooking and baking, and a passion for polka dancing. She was strong-willed, both in mind and body, even until the very end.

After Archie's passing in 1983, Adeline frequently visited her 2 daughters in the San Francisco Bay Area. They took numerous jaunts to the wine country, Lake Tahoe, Hearst Castle and the Central Coast.

Adeline is survived by her 3 children - JoAnne (Alan) Hugunin, Pleasanton, CA, Ralph (Jane) Merwin, Wausau, WI and Lori (Robert Calcagno) Merwin, Monterey, CA. She is also survived by 3 grandchildren - Sean Hugunin, Nicole Hugunin, and Paul (Janelle) Merwin; 2 great-granddaughters - Shayla Lori Hugunin and Aria Grace Merwin; and half- sister - Violet Cherek. The family would also like to make mention of her dear first cousin, Frances Johnson, Schofield, WI and very special family friend, Sally Kleppen, Wausau, WI.


Adeline was preceded in death by Archie, her husband of 41 years; 3 sisters – Verna Kasmerchak, Mary Ann Bluhm, and Margie Kiszewski; and her dearly loved grandson, Philip "Flip" Merwin.

The Merwin family wishes to extend thanks and gratitude to the individuals who were instrumental in providing care during her final visit in California. We would like to acknowledge Juliet and Herman Ballesteros, Lowell, and the staff at Juliet's Care Home in Pleasanton, CA for their loving care, Jennifer Natsch-Jensen, Professional Home Care RN, Dr. Kevin Lee for his compassion and extraordinary level of care, and finally, we would like to thank the entire staff of the Bruns House in Alamo, CA – words can not adequately express our level of appreciation. The comfort you provided to Adeline as well as the solace you gave to the family will never be forgotten.

Adeline was a life-long member of Holy Name Catholic Church in Wausau, WI.

Visitation will be held on August 2, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Helke Funeral Home in Wausau. The funeral service will be held on August 3, 2011 at 11:00 am at Holy Name Catholic Church, 1104 South 9th Ave., Wausau. A visitation will be from 10:00 am until the time of service also at Holy Name Catholic Church.

Rest in peace, Sweet Adeline – you will be missed by all...