Meryl Weitz

My name is Cathy Hoolapa. Also known as Cathy Cathcart, CathyCart and The Cart.

For nearly 30 years, Meryl was my best friend. But she was more than that, not just to myself, but to all of us. Meryl was a teacher, teaching by example.

Just a few of the things she taught me…

• She taught me how to ride on a subway in New York like a local (no eye contact)
• The difference between good pizza and great pizza
• How to play Triple Double Bonus Video Poker
• And most important, the proper way to hang a spoon on one’s nose at Sunday dinner

But I think one of the most important lesson Meryl wanted to pass along was the need to connect with those that cross your path. To find a common link, to share a bit of kindness.

She did this in many ways. A joke and a “thank you” to a cashier at the supermarket, or a cocktail waitress at Caesar’s… And on an even deeper level with those that knew her over so many years.

The night Meryl left this world, some of us gathered together to share tears and memories. As I listened to everyone’s stories, I realized something.

Meryl had the ability to know exactly the type of friend you needed her to be, both in that moment, or over a lifetime.

She could tap into your soul and know just what part of it needed to be filled.

Because of this, her gift of friendship was individually tailored for each of us.

I saw time and again when Meryl was there for those she loved. To open her home and take them in when they were at a low point in their life… Being there where a loved one passed unexpectedly… Or just to listen when you needed to vent…

In a world where there is so much divisiveness, Meryl chose to live a life of inclusiveness. Looking for what unites us. To connect with the humanity within each of us.

I wanted to thank each of you that reached out to Meryl since she was first diagnosed with her cancer in January. Whether you were able to visit in person, by phone, email, or texts. Whether it was a message, a photo or a donation… I cannot begin to tell you how much these meant to her. Knowing how much you all loved her was your priceless gift to her.

One last thing Meryl taught many of us at the end, was the best way to hold hands. With fingers interlocked. Let’s all take a moment and do that with those around us, while I share this final thought.

I believe is that when we leave this life, part of our energy is left behind with our loved ones. And I believe that energy is infinite and boundless.

Meryl’s energy is in all of us, available whenever we need to tap into it. For advice, guidance, or just to talk. She is always with each of us.

Proof of that is that I made it through these past few minutes, despite my intense fear of public speaking. I know she is with me now, holding me up, steadying my nerves.

Meryl will always be with us. She is there any time we need her, to share good times and bad.

And what an amazing blessing that is.

Thank you

Cathy Ho’olapa

On December 2, 1954, a nameless baby was brought into this world. Her father, Mordy Weitz, wanted to name her Merry Christmas, but her mother, Darcy, wasn’t keen on that idea.

A few weeks after coming home from the hospital, Darcy called Felice, her sister in law, and asked if they could give their new baby girl the same name as Felice and Lenny’s baby girl, Meryl. They were later known as “Big Meryl” or “second” who is technically “first Meryl” and “Baby Meryl”.

Meryl grew up in New York. She lived in an apartment on the 18th floor, and could see the lights from Coney Island. She grew up to work on Coney Island and her job was to rent out the beach chairs. She still spoke about those times through out her years.

The families spent weekends together and every Sunday, had big BBQ’s. Dinners were usually deli from Nathans and Coney Island or at least that’s how 2nd remembered it.

They spent every Thanksgiving together and would laugh so hard, Uncle Lenny would get furious with them.

They would also celebrate both Meryls’ birthdays on Thanksgiving. She remembers getting thrown out of the dining table and they would go play with whatever presents they got, such as finger paint, and paint the whole kitchen floor. Or one year, 2nd was playing the piano and Meryl was singing, even though she was tone deaf.

The two of the got into A LOT, and I mean A LOT of trouble together, especially at sleep away camp. They would trade places, because they looked so much alike. Meryl would take seconds allergy shots, and second would get weighed in every week for Meryl, because Darcy wanted Meryl to lose weight at camp. They would stay awake until every one else at camp was asleep. One time they even got caught in a thunder storm and no one could leave camp because they were off head count by two campers, both Meryls. This was the least of the trouble.. They never told me the bad parts.

Skip a few years ahead to 1983. Meryl decided to move to California and moved in with Peggy and Ken Martinet, her cousins. Meryl shared a room with, my mom, Denise. She also brought along her dog, Rustinheimer or known as “piranha dog” “chompers” or “mooky man”. He would attack Ken every time he walked through the front door.

Meryl moved to California to give herself a better life and to be close to family, since her parents moved from New York to Florida. Not only did she have to Martinets, she had the Beckers, as well.

She worked with Howie and Linda Becker, her cousins, at Caterers Headquarters from ‘85 – ‘91. She then worked for LA Times from ‘93 – 2008. She made many life long friends while she worked there, many of whom are here today. Meryl had a personality that everyone was drawn to. Friends became family and her circle got larger and larger every day.

In 2000, she bought her condo in Burbank, and her cousin Cathy, my aunt, moved in with her. Meryl took care of Cathy, because of her failing heath due to Cystic Fibrosis. This is one of the many reasons why I am so thankful for Meryl. I know my auntie was very grateful for her, as well.

She became president of her condo complex and ran that place. It was one of the many things that kept her busy all the time.

She took us kids to Disney on Ice every year, as well as lots of Museums. She treated us as if we were her own, except she was more fun than our parents. She was Auntie- Cousin. As we all got older, she was always there for us to talk to, she was the shoulder that we could always cry on.

One thing I am going to miss most about her is her Meryl-isms and how she always found a light, even in the darkest places. Throughout these past 9 months, even in horrible pain, she still cracked jokes and knew how to put a smile on everyones faces.

She is missed dearly, but I know that she is watching over all of us and is with my Aunt Cathy and her parents, having a blast up there. We love you so much and we miss you.

Sammi Spracher