Barbara Mercer, homemaker

M e rc e r

Barbara Mercer, 90, died at her Tonawanda home on Dec. 23, 2006.

Born Barbara Debic, she was placed in Father Baker's Orphanage as a ward of the state at age 4, eventually living in foster care on a farm in East Eden. She graduated from St. Mary's School. At 15, she was sent to Buffalo to work as a housekeeper.

She married Walter Mercer in 1940 and followed him to Fort Lawton in Seattle. Walter passed away in 1967.

After returning to the Buffalo area and residing in Tonawanda, she became a sales associate at Hengerer's in Amherst. She retired on her 80th birthday after working there for 40 years.

She enjoyed gardening, singing, cooking, dancing, painting, reading, theatre and music of all kinds.

She is survived by her son, Gary, and her daughter, Sharon.

"She did not follow the clamor of the world but walked calmly in her own path, focused on her family ... She was meticulous in all she did and exuded a dignified, quiet elegance coupled with refinement," said Sharon Mercer. "She was a vibrant, courageous woman of boundless energy, style and grace. Her character was of the highest caliber."

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Amelia's Church. Burial was in the Infant of Prague section of Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Arrangements were made by Amigone Funeral Home.