Maria Merlino Perkins

Maria Merlino Perkins, 82, of Salisbury, North Carolina, passed away April 4, 2026, at her home. Born July 14, 1943 in Burlington, New Jersey, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Merlino and Elizabeth Palombi Merlino. She was a member of the inaugural graduating class of Holy Cross High School in Delran NJ, graduating in 1961. She continued her education at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College where she earned an Associated Degree in Business Computers with a Certificate in Accounting. She had been employed at Sacred Heart Catholic School, where she was a teacher and creator of the first computer lab at the school, and also served as a Reliv Independent Nutritional Supplement Distributer. In addition, she was a 50 plus year member of the American Association of Fertility Care Practitioners where she taught natural family planning and the Creighton Model Fertility Care System. Also served as a past president of the board of directors along with many executive committee assignments through the years. Maria was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church for 57 years where she was involved in numerous activities throughout the years. She was an extraordinary minister and lector, a longtime member of the Catholic Daughters where she served as regent, was a member of the Order of Dominicans, attended Cursillo and marriage encounter, while also being devoted to several prayer and bible study groups. In the community, she served as a docent during October tour and at the Rowan Museum, was Girl Scout Troop leader for 23 years, was a member of the Italian Heritage Club and volunteered at the Piedmont Players Theater. Along with her parents, Maria is preceded in death by her husband, Samuel Budd Perkins and granddaughter, Isabelle Perkins. She is survived by four daughters, Charlene Sunding (Richard), Catherine Bone (Deron), Patricia Perkins and Maria Thomson (Jack); two sons, David Perkins (Hollie) and Christopher Perkins (Tora); eleven grandchildren, Clayton Sunding (Amber), Donovan Perkins (Kelly), Hannah Sunding, Morgan Stamps (Will), Benjamin Sunding, Ansley Bone, Cody Bone, Tristin Perkins, Trinity Perkins, Rylin Deacon and Jaedyn Deacon; four great-grandchildren, Jonah Rackley, CeCe Rackley, Micah Rackley, and Margaux Stamps; sister, Frances Doherty; brothers, Joseph Merlino (Patti), and Jimmy Merlino (Donna). Maria was a devoted wife, beloved mother, cherished grandmother and great grandmother, fantastic big sister, loving relative and lifelong friend. If you knew Maria, you loved her. She was a devout catholic and always committed to Jesus and his mother Mary. Her favorite place on the planet was Fatima, Portugal where she enjoyed the time of her life over a couple pilgrimages. Prayer service will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM with visitation following from 7:00-9:00PM at Summersett Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, April 11 at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father John Eckert officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church 375 Lumen Christi Lane, Salisbury, NC 28147 and to Catholic Daughters, Court 1759, 375 Lumen Christi Lane, Salisbury, NC 28147. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Perkins family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Maria Merlino Perkins

July 14, 1943 - April 4, 2026