Mary “Mert” Dillon, 66, of Emporium, PA passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at Penn Highlands Elk Hospital on Monday, February 28, 2023 following a brief illness.

Mert was born October 21, 1956, in Saint Marys to the late Jack and Anna “Nunny” (Gennocro) Guisto. She graduated from Cameron County High School in the class of 1974, and married Dennis Dillon on May 5, 1990. They made their home on Spring Street in the Emporium Borough.

For years, she managed the Crescent Hotel, the family business, and later the Cameron County Vets Club until her retirement in 2011.

Mert was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and was well-loved by her large family and numerous friends. She will be greatly missed by many people in the community. She enjoyed playing cards with her sisters and taking trips to the casino. Most recently, she enjoyed spending time with her granddaughter, Anna.

Mert is survived by her husband, Dennis, her daughters, Justine (Kristine Hughes) Dillon, of Jamestown, New York, and Denise Dillon, and granddaughter, Annalise Dillon of Bradford, PA; sisters Connie (Dick) Jones, of Sanborn, New York, Bev (Joe) Jones, of Emporium, Sandy (Tom) Kossman, of Emporium, Deb (John) Cummings, of Emporium, Mitzi (Scott) Austin, of Emporium, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

She was preceeded in death by her parents, Anna and Jack Guisto, and two brothers, Jack Guisto and Larry Harlan.

Services will be held March 4, 2023, at the Barnett Funeral Home, 207 E. 4th St., Emporium from 2-4 pm followed by a luncheon at the Emporium Volunteer Fire Department from 4-6 pm. Mert’s ashes will be spread at her family homestead in Rich Valley at the convenience of the family.

Memorials can be made to the Cameron County SPCA at 678 South Mountain Road, Emporium, PA.

Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net

BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.