Merelyn Galloza

Merelyn Galloza of Lumberton,New Jersey passed away peacefully on January 12, 2017 in the company of her beloved family and friends. She was 63. The daughter of the late Eleuterio Galloza-Orama and Hilda R. Galloza is survived by brothers Carlos and Edwin Galloza and sisters, Iris G Vance, Ellie Rayburn and Nadene Galloza, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Merelyn was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico on December 4,1953 and grew up as an "Army Brat". She traveled from Puerto Rico to Germany,Louisiana, and finally Fort Dix, New Jersey. This upbringing gave her the drive and resilience to conquer many challenges in life. Merelyn graduated from Pembertion Township High School in 1972. She attended Rutgers University graduating in 1976 with a Bachelors of Science in the curriculum of Physical Education. After graduating, Merelyn accepted a position as a Physical Education teacher working in the Pemberton Township School District. She had a fair, no nonsense style of teaching, which gave her students the confidence and motivation to work hard and achieve their dreams. . After nine years of teaching, Merelyn decided on a different career path. She used these same life skills to further her education in Computer Programming at Burlington County College followed by a Masters of Science in Administration from Centeral Michigan University in 1994. For most of her career she worked as a computer programer and IT trainer. She retired from AAA Mid Atlantic as an IT Specialist. Merelyn was an athlete and kept herself phycially fit by weight training, hiking, sking, biking and playing tennis, but her passion was running. She ran in several local races achieving her ultimate goal of completing the Marine Core Marathon twice !! Her adventurous spirit took her to many places, Paris, the Dominican Republic, several cruises, and two Outward Bound trips. Anyone who knew Merelyn appreciated her love of baking. Each Christimas you could quarantee on a tin of her delicious cookies. During the Thanksgiving and Christimas holidays, there was great anticipation for her incredible mouthwatering pies. Family and friends knew never to ask for her pie recipes because the answer would definitely be a resounding " NO"!! Her courage and unwillingness to give up provided Merelyn the strength to confront her thirteen year ALS battle with dignity and grace. Stubborn until the end! Relatives and Friends may visit with the family on Thursday evening from 5-7 pm and on Friday morning from 9-10 AM at the Perinchief Chapels, 438 High St., Mount Holly. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:30 AM at the Sacred Heart Church, 260 High St., Mount Holly. Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made in Merelyn's name to the ALS Greater Philadelphia Chapter, 321 Norristown Rd., Ambler, PA 19002 (www.alsphiladelphia.org/donate).

Merelyn Galloza

December 4, 1953 - January 12, 2017