Adelaide "Addie" (Paiva) Merta passed peacefully at home in Gig Harbor, Wash., April 11, 2021, surrounded by loving angels. She had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2020. She was 92. Addie was born Oct. 29, 1928, in New Bedford, Mass., to Henrique and Cezarina Paiva, immigrants from Portugal.
She married Bud Merta in 1955, and lived in Largo and Dunedin, Fla. In 1968, the family ventured west to Chehalis, Wash., where she stayed for 50 years. To be closer to her daughter, Leslie, she moved to Gig Harbor, Wash., in 2017.
Addie was preceded in death by her eldest daughter, Laurie Merta, in 2012.
She is survived by her daughter, Leslie Merta (Timothy Guilfoyle); her beloved siblings, Dalila Martins of Gainesville, Fla., and Joseph Paiva of Blairsden, Calif.; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends.
Addie was a significant member of, and generous benefactor to, Bethel Church in Chehalis, Wash., as well as other charitable organizations and was also a tireless volunteer over the years. She never forgot her family’s humble roots or exceptional values, and impressed upon her daughters to always strive to be of service to others and to respect all people. Addie was a spunky, spirited, sincere, down-to-earth character, and loved by those who knew her well. We shall miss her.
Thank you to CHI Franciscan Hospice for the care and support this past year; Anna Frier, Lori Lindholm and Marguerite Gist; Dr. Darshana Chadda with Visiting Physicians Association; the staff at Penrose Harbor; home caregivers Gayle Lundvedt, Amy Narkiewicz, and Cynthia Sherstad for their uplifting and exceptional care for Addie. I will be forever grateful. And, thank you to her always faithful friend, Jan Rufener.
Mom loved doing her jigsaw puzzles, playing Bingo, and word search books. We've no doubt that Addie will have a generous supply of books to work on in heaven. God Bless you my little Mama, you meant the world to me. A private celebration for Addie will be held during the summer. Donations in Addie's memory may be made to CHI Franciscan Foundation P.O. Box 1502 Tacoma, WA 98401-1502 or on-line at chifranciscan.org.
