In Memory of
Doris
Rita
Mercer
1924 – 2018
Obituary of Doris Mercer
MERCER, Doris Rita – “Love is a Verb”. A lifetime of service. A lifetime of love. It was a bittersweet moment on October 22nd at 4:00 pm when our mom passed quietly from this earth to continue the journey she began February 14, 1924. Yes, she was a Valentine’s baby and she took her role as a representative of love seriously.
Mom was born on Pinchard’s Island, Newfoundland – a tiny rock off the coast of the bigger rock. She enthusiastically shared stories with us of hunting for periwinkles along the seashore with sister Vi, or feasting on salmon caught by our beloved papa. Evenings were spent playing music and playing cards, and mom was determined that all of her children would excel at both.
Mom loved fiercely and that was evident by how many loved her back. Thousands of hours of her life were spent in volunteer activities – hospitals, orphanages, senior centres, scouts, guides, church, schools and more were the recipients of mom’s desire to lend a hand. She only stopped volunteering about a year ago, when her body and mind became too frail to allow her to continue. Yet she still found joy in listening to music or the chatter of family – her faced beamed at every visit.
Mom was an early role model for “having it all”. A successful career running operations for a Canadian manufacturer (acquired by West Bend) was followed by a senior role as property manager of several apartment buildings in Toronto. Mom still made a hot meal for dinner every night, sewed our clothes, and was the smiling face at every school concert or event. Mom and dad retired to Muskoka (freedom 55) where they spent another 30 years in volunteer service.
Faith was at the cornerstone of her life and the rock that mom leaned on, allowing her to be our rock. Her grandchildren became the most important people in her life and her unconditional love for them played a significant role in how each of them bloomed. There were always home-made cookies in grandma’s cupboard and enough beds for everyone to sleep over. Even at 94, her grandchildren loved to visit her.
Mom is survived by children Gail, Tom (Suzanne), Dianne (Matt) and grandchildren Steve (Bella), Dan (Trish), Scott, Sean (Katy), Ben (Stevie) and Henry. Great grandchild Nate. Also nephews and nieces Paul (Brenda), Dave (Kathy), Ellen (Janice), Jenny (Chris), Rob, William and Fred. Thanks to the many friends through the years, to the staff and friends at Peterborough Manor and especially to the angels at Fairhaven.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to provide education to children in Haiti.
www.gofundme.com/wit-conference-haiti
or to the Primate World Relief Development Fund (PWRDF) for the Anglican Church.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 26 at 11:00 am; St. James Emily Church, 945 Frank Hill Road, Omemee, ON K0L 2W0. A light lunch will follow. Condolences may be made at www.communityalternative.ca
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Doris
Rita
Mercer 1924 2018..
Death notice for the town of: Peterborough, Province: Ontario