Carol Lynne (Esmarelda Puddin' Poo) Merz, 67, of Pompano Beach, FL, passed away on September 6, 2022. Carol was born in Philadelphia, PA on February 11, 1955 to Herbert and Mary Merz. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1973. Carol studied at Beaver College and also attended Nursing School. It was during her college years that Carol met Robert, her future husband. Carol fulfilled her dream of becoming a mom and she also ran an in-home daycare for years while her kids were young. She later returned to school and finished her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education at Sheridan Vo-Tech. Carol went on to work as a preschool teacher for over 25 years. She loved being a mom and was just that to so many more than just her natural born children. Carol would later learn that she loved being a Nana to her grandchildren even more than being a mom! All of her free time was spent with each of the grandchildren when she wasn't being the most amazing preschool teacher, sharing her energy and love with every child who walked through the doors of her classroom at Brighton Academy, Kids Learning Academy and Holy Sacrament Day School. She was very involved with Abundant Life Church in Margate, FL, as well as many more before Abundant Life. She loved the friendships she made and pastoral guidance she received there.

She is preceded in passing by her parents, Herbert and Mary Merz; and her husband, Robert Jankowski. Carol is survived by her brother, Bruce Merz (wife, Claudia); her daughters, Anne Banning (husband, Kenny) and Mary Miller; her sons, Robbie Jankowski and Peter Jankowski; and her grandchildren, Lainey Fenton (husband, Luke), Sean Johannesen, Tenesen Miller, Konnor Banning, and Victoria Lee. She is also survived by her very special bonus children Jennifer Pittillo, Mark Pittillo, and Tequisha Wright; as well as her partner-in-crime, Marcus Morton, and her extended family of Cheryl and Thomas Clark and their children Paul, Monique, Jarrod, and Michelle.

The immense light and energy she brought to every place she touched or traveled will be greatly missed by everyone she encountered. A Memorial Service will be held at Abundant Life Christian Academy on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 11:00 AM. The family asks that all who attend the memorial avoid wearing all black and instead wear brightly colored clothing like Carol always did to celebrate her style with us! You can also honor Carol by wearing her favorite color purple if you don't have any bright colors to wear, just please do not wear all black. For those not familiar with the location, please check the pictures shared in guest book to see the sign you can look for in front of the building and also the image of main doors on corner of building under big blue awning. These should help you find the entrance to join us. The service can also be viewed virtually by clicking on the "Watch Video" link below.