In Memoriam – Merle Measer
A Lifelong Passion for Art and Expression
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Merle Measer, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and artist. Merle passed away peacefully on riday, June 9, 2024, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of creativity and love. She was a woman whose passion for art never wavered, creating over 1,000 pieces throughout her life.
Merle’s artistic journey spanned many years, with works ranging from abstract pieces to landscapes and portraits. She continued to create even as Alzheimer's slowly took hold, finding solace in her art and using it as a way to manage the challenges of memory loss. Her work was not only a reflection of her talent, but a testament to her resilience and love for expression. In her final years, she produced more than 200 paintings, with many of her pieces gifted to loved ones and one even selected as the winning design for the Alzheimer’s Association national Christmas card.
Merle’s love for life was evident in everything she did — from her deep passion for fashion and fine art to her commitment to her family. She shared a lifetime of memories with her husband, Jerry, with whom she shared 54 years of love, travel, and artistic exploration. Her warmth, creativity, and love for her family left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
Born on February 27, 1943 to Dorothy Burton and Joseph Kvaznik, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Merle moved to California at age five, where she spent most of her life in Los Angeles and later Malibu. She was an active member of her community, founding Women and Philanthropy at UCLA, serving as a docent at LACMA, and contributing to numerous philanthropic efforts. Merle’s work as an artist, teacher, and mentor will continue to inspire, as will her love of life and the beauty she brought to the world.
Merle is survived by her loving husband, Jerry Measer, her children David Measer and Joanna Measer Kanow, daughter-in-law Dorothy Measer, son-in-law Daniel Kanow: along with her beloved grandchildren Luca and Phoebe Measer and Ayla and Shai Ann Kanow. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, and her artistic legacy will continue to live on.
A Legacy of Love, Creativity, and Resilience
Memories and Condolences
for Merle Measer
We invite you to share your memories and condolences for Merle Measer, a beloved artist and cherished soul. Your words, stories, and tributes will help honor her legacy and keep her memory alive in our hearts. Thank you for celebrating her life with us.