Corinne Marie Merlino

Corinne Marie Merlino, a resident of Colorado Springs since 1999, passed away at Memorial Hospital January 1, 2016.

Corrie was born on November 9, 1952 in the Bronx, New York to Carl and Helen (Bernoth) Fernes. She was a natural entertainer who loved to recount her wild days growing up in the city; she chased after Mick Jagger in a hotel hallway, and puked on Jimi Hendrix at the infamous Cafe Wha?. Corrie had the grace of Ginger Rogers, the wit of Joan Rivers, the goofiness of Gilda Radner, and the storytelling genius of Tom Waits. Her childlike spirit was magnetic, her silliness contagious, her heart unbelievably big.

Corrie attended New York’s High School of Performing Arts. Her years in the restaurant industry served as the source of some of her most hilarious tales and longstanding friendships. Her individuality, honesty, lack of ego, and tremendous kindness made her the perfect friend to so many. These same qualities also made her the perfect mom.

She is survived by her husband, David; and her children, Lindsey Merlino, and DC Merlino. She was preceded in death by her parents. Our hearts are broken and we will miss her every day, but we are lucky to have been part of her story.

A special event celebrating Corrie’s unique life will be held in the near future. All who loved her are welcome. Date to be announced. We will honor her with plenty of her favorite things: wine, shrimp cocktail, and a mariachi band.