Christa Mertz
January 31, 1986 ~ January 5, 2010
Charlotte: After a brief illness Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at age 23. Survived by her loving parents, Steven & Katharine Mertz; brothers, Andrew (Thya) Mertz & Scott Mertz; grandparents, William & Edith Wilson and Waite & Marie Mertz; niece, Cecelia Mertz. Christa touched the hearts of all who she met and will be greatly missed. The family would like to thank the medical team at Strong memorial Hospital lead by Dr. Michael Apostolakos for their dedicated loving care given to Christa.
Friends may call Friday 4-7 PM at the Vay-Schleich & Meeson Funeral Home 1075 Long Pond Road. Her Celebration of Life will be held Saturday 2:00 PM at Bethany Presbyterian Church. Private Entombment, Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the School of the Holy Childhood in her memory.
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As former secretary for the Clinic Treatment Center for 17 years), I first met Christa when she entered School of the Holy Childhood. She LOVED to where her red boots. I remember once when she visitied the Health Office andChrista was talking (playing) with Dr. Paul Baxter, I was wearing high heels; somehow she got my shoes and put them on; we were all laughing. I took a picture with Dr. Baxter holding Christa up (the heels were just a little too big and too high!).I eventually gave the picture to Christa’s mom, Kathy.
Christa is/was a jewel sent to us by Christ.
May your golden memories give you peace at this time.
Fondly,
Mary Beth McHenry xo
At such a sad time, there are few words that can fill the void left by someone as remarkable as Christa. My heart shares in your loss. I will always remember how Christa and I would joke with one another. Her heart was filled with such joy and love for all of her family and friends. As her former teacher, I am grateful to have known her. I will treasure my memories of her and the tremendous joy that she brought to me with just a simple smile! I can her her say ‘ah, Kathy Miller, you’re crazy!’
Christa has been a neighbor of ours since I was a child. I remember her walking the neighborhood as a kid with her dog and her mother. She especially loved to to come visit us on halloween since we had the whole house set up. She was a very special person and always had a smile on her face. She will be missed. My prayers go out to her family and friends during this tough time.
Christa was such a sweet, special girl. I will miss her smile! I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her in OT over the years. My sympathy to you all at this sad time. I believe she is at heavenly peace – and may God’s peace comfort you as well. Love, Heather Montfort
Christa,
We love you so much and you have touched our life in so many ways…I will always remember you and will never be forggoten. You live through us that are here.
Love always,
The Oheron Family
Christa, you made us laugh and smile. You helped teach us what is really important and what is not. We were blessed to have such an Angel amongst us. ‘Bug’, we will always keep you close in our hearts. Love, Frank, Sue and Lauren
Dear Christa,
Thank you for sharing your life with all of us. I’ll never forget the fun we used to have in the OT therapy room-jumping on the trampoline, swinging or going over the therapy ball. Your absence is already felt and I will miss you very much. Much peace and warmth to your brothers, your parents and all of your family.
Love,
Annie
Dear Kathy (what a MOM you are!), Steve, Andy, Scott and Thya:
Years prior to Christa’s passing I often thought of the wonderful influence she had on all ‘The Boys’ in the neighborhood. Today, in church, I saw those same boys, now young men, and many others I never met before with tears rolling down their faces — because they were so touched by your angel. Your very special Christa. Later in the day, I asked Cory what he remembered most about Christa. He said when he came to your house, Christa wouldn’t say, ‘Hi!’; she’d come up to him with open arms and give the biggest hug and smile and make him feel like the best! Even a young man who only saw Christa at your house a couple of times wept.
‘Some people come into our lives and quickly go, others stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts; and we are never, ever the same.’
Christa left her footprints on many hearts.
Our hearts go out to you.
Dear Kathy, Steve, Andrew & Scott, Our hearts go out to all of you, We will miss her alot, I looked forward to seeing both of you at those Special Events and when you would bring Christa around for Halloween. We will miss her so much.
Love,
Judy & Shirley
Dear Mertz Family (especially Kathy and Steven),
I am so saddened to hear of Christa’s passing. It was a privilege to meet and care for Christa and your family. Know that my thoughts and prayers have been and continue to be with you all.
Love, Joy W.
Dear Steve, Cathy, Andrew and Scott,
My heart aches but, my soul knows we have a new Angel in heaven who is wearing red boots and spreading joy all over.
May your heartache soon turn peaceful knowing what a wonder you all were able to share with our world.
Love and prayers,
Sister Mary Jo
I have wonderful memories of Christa from the gym. I enjoyed working with her and will miss her hug. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I just wanted to offer my condolences to the family of Christa, since I may not be able to attend the calling hours. I had Christa in my homeroom and for academics when she was about 15-16 years old. I will never forget her smile and how she always referred to me as ‘Boyle’.Again, my deepest sympathy.
Pat Boyle
Special Ed. Teacher
School of the Holy Childhood
I remember Christa’s first day at Holy Childhood. I thought she had the sweetest face. I can still see her looking up at me in the kitchen! Now my daughter, Nancy, saw her everyday at work and feels so bad at Christa’s passing. Our deepest sympathy to her family, but she’ll always be remembered fondly.
IAM SO SORRY ABOUT YOUR LOSS AND I CAN’T MAKE IT TO THE FUNERAL. I WILL BE THINKING OF THE WHOLE FAMILY. I FEEL BAD IN MY HEART. I WILL MISS HER. LOVE AMY
Kathy and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your recent loss of Christa. My prayers and heartfelt sympathy are being sent to you.
Fondly,
Cindy Gordon
My deepest condolences to the Mertz family. May you have the support you need to make it throught this difficult time. I know that Christa is bounding about in heaven and cheering everyone up with her wonderful personality and smile.
Our hearts and Love is with YOU!
Heaven is dancing with JOY! Welcoming It’s newest Angel! Chirsta is lighting it up with her wonderful smile! We Will miss her deeply! May peace find your hearts and may you know that you and Steve and the boys where apart of something special!
God Bless
Harold and Pam Pickett
Steve,
We’re so sorry to learn of the passing of your daughter. Our thoughts and condolences to you and your family.
Jeff and Mary Ann Simpson
We are so sorry to hear about Christa. There was never a time that she didn’t make us all smile. Memories of Christa always wanting to have a hot dog and sprite at the hockey games make me smile. She was a great fan (most of the time)!! Christa was a blessing to all that had the pleasure to meet her. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Love, The Machucki Family
We are very sorry to hear about Christa. She was a delightful, happy young women. It was our pleasure knowing her and visiting while she visited her Grandparents (Mertz). Our son Matthew enjoyed playing ball with Christa and singing with her during the family’s Christmas Eve gathering a couple years ago. She will remain in all of our hearts.
Our love the Herko Family (Penfield)
Words cannot express what we are going through on hearing of Christa’s death. Our Michael is now 25 and was a friend of Christa’s at School of the Holy Childhood. I can not image my life without Michael and so I am consumed with sadness at your loss. They are truly a special gift from God. Our hearts and prayers go out to your family at this lonely time in yoyr lives. May God Bless you and hold you in his heart. Fondly, The Jophn, Joanne and Mike Driscoll family.