JEAN L. MERSON Sept. 26, 1938 – Dec. 10, 2024
Jean Lorraine Merson sadly left us Dec. 10, 2024, following a stroke she had while living in Albuquerque NM. Jean was born in Oakland, CA on Sept. 26, 1938, as the only child of Alfred and Rita Jungblom. After graduation from high school, Jean attended The University of California Berkley where she obtained a degree in Chemistry. She was a very dedicated student even though she was faced with several hurdles along the way. At that time, it was generally felt that women did not belong in the sciences. She had more than one professor tell her she couldn’t pass a class because she was a woman. That was enough motivation for her to succeed scholastically.
She met the love of her life, Thomas J. Merson, while attending Berkley. They were married on the day of her graduation as she had promised her parents she wouldn’t marry before finishing her degree. Members of both families were in town to attend the graduation ceremony for her and Tom’s brother Larry, which afforded them the opportunity to also attend the wedding. Once married, Jean and her new brother-in-law, Larry, left the wedding to get to graduation where they both played in the band and graduated. After the school ceremonies, there was a celebratory family gathering.
That same evening, Tom and Jean hopped on a plane and moved to Albuquerque, NM to start their life together. Jean wasn’t ever one for fanfare and Tom had the same practical nature! While in Albuquerque, Jean substitute taught Chemistry while she and Tom started building their family. In 1963 they relocated to Los Alamos, NM where she remained until 2021.
Needing more cognitive stimulation and adult conversation than her two preschool children could give her, she and Tom started a regular “date night” where they took a Fortran programming class. This started her love of computer programming. She returned to school and got her Master’s degree in Computer Science (EECS Department). Afterwards, she enjoyed a new career as a Computer Programmer in various divisions at the Los Alamos National Lab. It afforded her the opportunity to travel world-wide within her profession during the Cold War.
Both Jean and Tom were very involved in the Los Alamos community and in supporting their children in their various activities. She sewed multiple costumes, was a cub scout den mother, a girl scout leader (taking on the task of cookie director for several years), and a horse show secretary just to name a few. They were also very active with the Geological Society, participating in many rock hounding trips and gem and mineral shows. Tom’s love of the mountains led them to Silverton, CO where they had a second home. They immersed themselves in the community supporting the Historical Society, The Hardrock 100 race, the July 4th Rhubarb Festival, and various music festivals to name a few.
In 1988, Jean was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. Though faced with a pretty negative medical diagnosis, she attacked the cancer with the same determination that she approached her challenges in college. Jean maintained a very positive attitude throughout the entire treatment process. She later felt called to become a support person for other women with Breast Cancer through the American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery. After retirement, Jean continued her work with the Cancer Society as well as volunteering at the Public Library. Tom and Jean loved to travel during their retirement years. They visited many countries, including connecting with her cousins in Sweden, which she cherished.
Tom’s passing in 2015 was very difficult for the family, and Jean took on the challenge of life on her own. She continued with her volunteer activities and travel overseas. During this time, Jean found the Lord and was baptized at the age of 79!
Being a new Christian was exciting for her and her family. She became very involved with the United Church, to include volunteering at the United Church thrift shop.
Jean is survived by her children John Merson (Sheila) of Albuquerque, NM and Linda Calkins (Dan) of Aztec, NM as well as her grandchildren Kathryn Busch, Thomas Merson and Cody Calkins. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m., June 7, 2025 in Los Alamos at the United Church.