Obituary
Jane Ann Rivoir passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 6, 2022, at the home of her daughter Claremarie Merkle. She was 86 years old.
Jane Ann was born in Baton Rouge on March 19, 1935. She was the only daughter of Lloyd and Elise Spink. As a child, they moved to Atlanta where she was a student and graduate of Christ the King Catholic School. In her youth, she loved acting and volunteered for the American Red Cross.
She attended LSU and in 1954, married Robert B. Merkle. They were married for 27 years and had five children: David, Paul, John, Carolyn and Claremarie. After many years as an Army family, they settled in New Smyrna Beach in 1970. She grew to love NSB and particularly loved riding her bike on the beach.
Jane Ann was an enthusiastic citizen of New Smyrna. In the early ‘70’s she was highly active in preserving the North Beach from large developments. She was instrumental in passing the 12/24 density ordinance. As New Smyrna grew, Jane was the first welcome wagon hostess, greeting new residents that moved into town. She was a member of the New Smyrna Little Theatre and the Florida Audubon Society.
As an adult she attended Rollins College and earned a Business Administration degree in 1982. She had a full career, selling real estate with Lovell Real Estate and then worked with WCCZ Radio doing voice overs and selling advertisements. She and Brian Tolby created the first travel magazine for the area, Smyrna Day and Night, which is still in publication today. She also worked at the Riverview Hotel and the Night Swan Bed and Breakfast.
In her later years she found a home at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and became a 3rd order Carmelite. Always an activist, she worked with Ron DeSantis’ successful campaign and election to the House of Representatives.
Jane Ann is survived by her children, six grandchildren and one great grandchild. She was loved by them all and will be missed.
In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Halifax Health Hospice South home team. Memorial Mass will be held February 18, 2022, at 1 pm, Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
at St. Gerard's. Many memories of her came to mind afterward. I knew her through Sacred Heart and especially when she was a reader at Mass. She had such a wonderful speaking voice and was able to give a special meaning to all the readings she did. She never hurried. Her trademark was a beret or a little knitted hat she would always wear. We became friendly and often attended pro-life gatherings especially the fashion shows up in Daytona that benefitted an area pregnancy center. Those were fun. We attended other events as well. I saw her often in church and met some of her family when they accompanied her. Jane was a dear soul and I was so lucky to have known her. She never spoke much about her background and I am amazed at all her accomplishments. My sympathies are with you all.
So sorry to hear about your mother. Our thoughts are with you.
Jane and Henry Codiamat
P.S. Your mother had a great .name. she must have been a great person!