Merle Rae (Flitter) Grollman, 84, of Scottsdale, AZ, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 30, at her home after a short illness. Born on December 1, 1939, she was the beloved wife of the late Joseph W. Grollman and the daughter of the late Miriam (Rosenthal) Flitter and S. Maxwell Flitter. Alongside Joe, Merle was instrumental in running the family business, Grollmans, a women’s fashion store in downtown Easton, which was established in 1904. After the store closed in 1991, Merle transitioned to a successful career as a realtor with Weichert Realtors until her retirement.
Merle was a dedicated member of several civic organizations, including the Children’s Home of Easton, the Junior League of the Lehigh Valley, and the State Theatre for the Performing Arts. She played a pivotal role in fundraising efforts to save the treasured theatre from closure. Additionally, she was a long-time member and volunteer of the women’s board at Easton Hospital, where she also served as president as well as a trustee of the Two Rivers Health and Wellness Foundation. Her commitment to her community extended to serving on the City of Easton’s Zoning Hearing Board and the Wilson Borough Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Actively involved in Easton’s Jewish community, Merle was a member of B’nai Abraham Synagogue and Temple Covenant of Peace. She cherished summers at Eddyside Pool with friends and family, enjoyed traveling across the United States and abroad, and treasured her time in both the Easton and Scottsdale communities. Merle’s infectious energy and enthusiasm were felt by all, as was her competitive spirit for those who dared to play her in Scrabble.
She is survived by a daughter: Julie Shinbaum and her husband Dana of Scottsdale, AZ; 2 sons: Michael Grollman and his wife Dana of Redondo Beach, CA, Peter Grollman and his wife Alexa of Merion Station, PA; 7 grandchildren: Noah and his wife Ellen Shinbaum, Naomi and Natalie Shinbaum, Max and Jack Grollman; Jesse and Sasha Grollman and brother: Dr. Marc Flitter and his wife Alice.
Services are private with interment in Easton Cemetery. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
Debi Sandler Wachtel
July 2, 2024 at 7:01 pm
Julie I am so sorry about your mother.She
Was lovely. You were very blessed to be able
to share time together while you could both
Enjoy and she had time with her grandchildren
My mother always told me every year that you
Have after 3 score and ten is a gift from
G-d. Sending hugs
Debi
Joan (Malos) Ashley
July 2, 2024 at 7:09 pm
I feel so fortunate to have grown up with Merle, Joey, Julie and the rest of the family in Easton, PA. I have fond memories of Merle with her infectious laugh. She will always have a special place in my heart.
Heidi Huffstutler-Thatcher
July 3, 2024 at 10:49 am
Michael and Peter,
So very sorry to read about the loss of your mom. She was a pillar in the community, with an infectious smile and great personality.
Sending my condolences.
Heidi
Peter Lehr
July 3, 2024 at 11:06 am
It was with sadness that our family learned of your mother’s passing. We were fortunate to have been close with her and your father while living on College Hill. She was a great, kind and wonderful woman. She was so thoughtful also, and several years ago, I discovered the baby album that my parents kept, and learned that Merle was one of the first visitors to our home (up on Tanglewood) after I was born. Our sincere condolences.
Chris and Jim Mechalakos
July 3, 2024 at 11:20 am
Dear Julie- My mother was heartbroken to hear of your mother’s passing. They were the best of friends and I still remember how Merle comforted my mother at my father’s funeral 9 years ago. She and I both convey our deepest condolences and mourn the loss of a true friend of the family for so many years, from Grollman’s to our friendship at EAHS and through our parents’ friendship, especially in the later years. All our love to you and your family- Chris and Jim Mechalakos
Emilie Heck Petrone
July 3, 2024 at 6:05 pm
Dear Julie and Family,
I was so sad to see this. I can hear your mother’s voice perfectly as I write this. She had such a great laugh and looking back, always seemed to approach things with humor and intellect combined. I remember those late nights at your house when our parents were still going while we were all passed out on the floor. Miss you all. Sending our love and condolences. Emilie
Jim Voden
July 4, 2024 at 10:04 am
God blessed us with knowing Merle. My wife and I were perhaps the easiest house sale she ever had some 28 years ago. Within 3 minutes of entering the house we told her that we would take it. The view, the location, the layout were close to perfect. She felt guilty for the quick sale and insisted we see more houses so the following day she took us to see more. At the end of the day we bought the first house. I ran into her a couple of times over the years but always remember what a kind and sincere woman was and every time I drive by Weicherts a smile would come across my face. Bless her family and friends for their loss.
Dan Barrett
July 5, 2024 at 8:44 am
I met Merle when she became a very good and very caring Realtor.
She was just delightful, energetic and had an extraordinarily sense of humor. We met President Bill Clinton together in a less tense and more moderate time, both agreeing it checked off an interesting ‘ to do ‘ item.
Merle was always Cool, Adorable and but mostly..completely Awake and Alive ! To say nothing of ..’ Best Dressed..’ ! Those folks at Her next stop, Heaven .. will certainly be lucky to enjoy those Rare and Beautiful attributes Forever. Dan
Janice (Skelton) Ruland
July 5, 2024 at 9:23 pm
Dear Julie & Family,
I’m so sorry to read about your mom’s passing. She was a special person who always stopped to talk when we saw each other, although it has been some time. I can still hear her laugh. Fun times growing up on the “Hill”.
My condolences to everyone.
Janice
Linda Fisher
July 8, 2024 at 8:01 am
Dear Michael, Peter, Julie & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers to the family. Merle was a lovely lady who will be forever in the hearts and minds of all those who knew her.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Linda and Tom Fisher
Scottsdale Friends
July 8, 2024 at 11:06 am
Merle was a warm and kind lifeforce in our community! Her good nature and sense of humor were evident in the way she lived, and her love of family was apparent whenever she spoke. She is missed here, but her good example lives on in her memory. Thank you for sharing her with us!
Barbara & Cucciuffo
July 9, 2024 at 7:52 pm
Merle was a fellow Weichert Realtor. She was also a member of our ladies who lunch group and was always able to make us laugh. She kept us laughing even through the pandemic as we zoom visited with each other. We were often found together at places like Sigals museum or Allentown museum followed by lunch or at a breakfast in the Palace. We laughed a lot & when she moved we still kept in touch. Her bright smile and endless energy will be missed. We were very lucky to have her in our lives.