In Memoriam : Karen Mercier

Karen was truly one of a kind. Her energy, enthusiasm, patience, ability to teach and creativity was surpassed by none. I proudly served beside her at RETC for many, many years and never ceased to be impressed with her as a friend, person, leader and teacher. I am eternally grateful for all she taught me. Students were lucky to be in her class. She taught basic and not-so-basic skills to so many students (and some of us staff). She could organize a school event, run class and remain calm and positive all without breaking a sweat. Karen truly loved and appreciated her family. She was forever singing David's praises and speaking of all the help he gave her with the little things in life. She was so proud of all of Mia's accomplishments and loved being her mother. She also shared stories of the happy memories she had of Tom and Peg and Dick and Mary and Tina and Lorraine. You could tell from her tone of voice that she felt close to and loved by each of them. She would tell long happy stories of family gatherings when everyone came to Maine to celebrate the holidays and, due to personal tastes, there had to be five kinds of potatoes on the table. She enjoyed traveling to visit family farther south. Despite her above and beyond abilities in so many things, Karen was humble. She never boasted about her accomplishments, but made and took them in stride, as though everyone were so equally capable. Karen loved her mother to no end. She tirelessly cared for her in her final years, helping her with every detail of her life. Her mother's 70th birthday party was a classy affair to remember. The garden walk way leading into Trinity Episcopal Church was then lined with flowers in her mother's honor. Karen greatly impacted and influenced my life. I will miss her, beyond words. She was a truly special person. My heartfelt condolences to her family. May she (and you) be at peace.

I was so sorry to read of Karen's passing in the Lewiston newspaper last week. I had the great privilege of growing up next door to Karen and the Mercier family, and they were literally my first friends, sharing all of the wonders and traumas of childhood together as we made our halting and circuitous way toward adulthood. First visit to a house that wasn't my own? Next door to visit Karen! First supper at a friend's house? At Karen's! I mean, literally my earliest memories involve Karen and her family, and I can't believe that her race is now run, and run too soon at that. All through elementary school, Karen and I were friends. And then, once college and grad school were behind us, I had the privilege of working with Karen as a colleague in the Auburn school system -- there was no one more dedicated to children, and especially to children in poverty, as was Karen. She worked with the children to whom life had already given two strikes, and she made a huge difference; I have no doubt that her advocacy turned many a young life around over the years she worked in Auburn. I regret that we fell out of touch when my career took me out of Auburn, although I do fondly remember the 70th birthday party she put together for her mom -- I still have not experienced anything quite like it! I remember Karen always as a gentle soul and a classy colleague, and my heartfelt condolences go out to her family, along with my undying gratitude for all the kindness and love they showed me as a kid growing up next door. I sincerely hope that those who loved her will find solace and comfort in her memory, and in the knowledge that she made a real difference in the lives of those whose paths she crossed.