Sandra M. Merkel, 63, of Juneau passed away Sunday, June 26, 2011.

She was born Sept. 2, 1947, in Hartford, the daughter of James and Beatrice (nee Sanger) Ritter.

Sandra is preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Diane and Mary Kay and her brothers Johnny and Jimmy.

She is survived by her children Jennifer (George) Capitano, Johanna Milin, Matthew Merkel and Amy Merkel, six grandchildren, her sisters Judi Kistler and Patti Hengel, and our special friend, Toni. She is further survived by other relatives and friends.

Her family would like to extend a heartfelt "thank you" to the staff at Clearview Nursing Home for their never-ending kindness and care to a most courageous mother and sister.

Private services were held.

Assisting the family is the Berndt-Ledesma Funeral Home of Juneau, at www.berndt-ledesma.com.