Alanna M. Merk Dearest daughter, sister and granddaughter, 33 Alanna M. Merk, 33, of Toms River, N.J., formerly of Fairfield, N.J., passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017 after a seven-year battle with autoimmune diseases. The funeral is on Monday at 10 a.m. from the Ippolito-Stellato Funeral Home, 7 Two Bridges Road, Fairfield, N.J. Funeral Mass is at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas More Church. Cremation is private. Friends will be received on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. The beloved daughter of Dr. Alan and Doreen Merk, Alanna was the loving sister of Alan Jr., Ashley, and Amanda Merk; adored granddaughter of Isabel and the late Dr. Anthony Merk and Viola and the late James Davies. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family. Alanna cherished her furry heir Mickey and spares Molly, Bud, Lily and Jules. She was a graduate of West Essex Regional High School before attending the University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated on the Dean's List. Alanna volunteered her time often; she worked with Habitat for Humanity and entertained many seniors when she would visit nursing facilities to sing. She saved countless friends from drug addiction and she continued her philanthropic ways by donating her organs at her time of death. Donations may be made to Penn Medicine Development, 3535 Market Street, Suite 750, Philadelphia, Pa. 19104. Send condolences to stellatofuneralhomes.com.