Mertel M (Zajan) Mihal

Guilderland - Mertel M. Mihal, who just celebrated her 90th birthday with her entire family, passed away at home on Saturday October 31, 2015. Born in Schenectady, Mertel was the daughter of William and Rose Zajan. She was a lifelong area resident and was a longtime communicant of St. Madeleine Sophie Church. In the late 1940's Mertel flew airplanes as a private pilot. She retired after 20 years as a teacher's aide at Lynnwood School in Guilderland. Mertel will also be remembered as an avid cake designer. Her husband, Joseph J. Mihal, passed away in 2002. She is survived by her 4 children; Gary (Wendy) Mihal of Sloansville; Glen (Mary Pat) Mihal of Syracuse and their children Jessica and Alex Mihal; Joseph J. (Laurie) Mihal Jr. of SanDiego, CA. and their children Stephanie and Trey Mihal and Cheryl (Richard) LaFrance of Chittenango and their children Christina, Sgt. Travis LaFrance and Cheyenne. Calling hours will be held Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home 5216 Western Turnpike (just west of Carman Rd.), Guilderland. Funeral services will begin 9:15 a.m. Friday at the funeral home followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Madeleine Sophie Church 3500 Carman Rd., Guilderland. Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Schenectady Memorial contributions may be made in Mertel's memory to the church.