Merion “Mern” L. Gouza, 86, of Dataw Island, SC and Ocean City, NJ passed away on February 20, 2022 in Beaufort, SC.
Born June 6, 1935 at home in Mt. Airy, Philadelphia, PA. Mern is predeceased by her parents Burns and Merion Lafferty, sisters Jane Sabo, Bernice Simpson, and Betty Altorfer, and a brother Burns Lafferty Jr.
Mern is survived by her husband of 63 years, J. Jan Gouza and sons Jeff Gouza (Coleen) of Ocean View NJ and Paul Gouza (Laurie) of Newtown, Pa; two grandchildren Hailey Gouza of Cherry Hill, NJ and Madison Gouza of North Wales, PA; sisters in law Alice Lafferty of Levittown, PA and sister in law and brother in law Carolyn and Lance Billingsley of Rehoboth Beach, DE.
Mern is a graduate of Germantown High School and Penn State University, in 1957, with a degree in Physical Education. She taught in the Pennsbury and Council Rock School Districts and Newtown Friends School.
Mern was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Beaufort where she sang in the choir and played the choral bells. She was an avid Penn State fan and enjoyed reading, music, and playing golf. Mern cherished her family and friends and will be sorely missed.
Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 410 Church Street, Beaufort, SC 29902
Please share your thoughts and stories about Mern by visiting www.copelandfuneralservice.com
Copeland Funeral Service is assisting the Gouza family with arrangements.
