Lida A. Wright OBITUARY
Lida A. Wright (AKA Lida W. Merz) died peacefully on March 11, 2024 in Paoli, Pennsylvania. She will be remembered as a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Lida was independent and deeply passionate about travel, genealogy, gardens, and animals. Born in 1937, Lida was raised in Bala Cynwyd and Villanova, graduated from Lower Merion High School in 1955 and The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine in 1957. After marrying J. Frederick Merz Jr. in 1960, Lida devoted her life to family and raising their four children. She was directly involved in their pursuits, ranging from Girl Scouts, coaching Little League softball and horseback riding. Lida’s life was filled with her many interests; including genealogy, gardening, traveling, breeding golden retrievers, starting a balloon business and driving her ponies throughout Willistown Township and Southern Pines, North Carolina. Winning a blue ribbon in the Devon Horse Show Carriage Pleasure Drive in her beautifully restored two wheeled village cart was certainly a highlight of her extensive driving career! She visited all 7 continents and very generously shared these experiences with her children, grandchildren and friends. Lida was an active and generous member of the community and served on the Zoo Project Council at The Philadelphia Zoo for several years. Lida believed strongly in land conservation and was a very generous supporter of Willistown Conservation Trust. She was an active member of the Philadelphia Chapter of P.E.O, and longtime member of Acorn Club, Aronimink Golf Club and Radnor Hunt. Lida is survived by her sister, Suzanne W. Blood, and her brother, David B. Wright (Janet), and her four children, John Frederick (Jay) Merz, III (Angela), Lynne S. Merz, Sally M. Layden (Joseph), and Leanne M. McMenamin (Robert) and former husband J. Frederick Merz, Jr. She will be missed dearly by her six grandchildren; John Frederick (Erick) Merz IV, Chandler M. Merz, Kyle S. Merz, Ryan J. Layden, Julia E. Layden and Bowen F. McMenamin. The family would like to thank Carrie Kubala, Valerie Ragin, Debbie Thomas and Claudia Tramell for all of their amazing support, guidance and friendship. The funeral and burial service will be private. The family invites friends and family to gather to celebrate Lida on Friday, May 10th at noon at Aronimink Golf Club, 3600 Saint Davids Road, Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. In lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory can be made to Willistown Conservation Trust, 925 Providence Road, Newtown Square, Pennsylvania 19073, wctrust.org. STUARD – NEWTOWN SQUARE A Family Tradition Since 1822
