Shirley L. Mercer, 80, of Lewiston
Shirley L. Mercer passed away Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011, at the Lifecare Center in Lewiston. She was 80 years old.
Shirley was born May 21, 1931, in Lovelock, Nev., to Charles W. and Margaret Mercer. While she was a baby, the family moved north into Idaho, eventually settling near Orofino. She grew up enjoying the outdoors and helping out by working at the family sawmill. After her mother passed away when Shirley was 12, she took on the role of caregiver to her two siblings. As a teenager Shirley moved to Lewiston and worked in the kitchen at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.
In 1949, she married and they had two sons. That marriage ended in divorce.
Shirley worked as a waitress in local eateries like Jack's Place and the Majestic Cafe. She always enjoyed interacting with the clientele and was a favorite with her customers. She later attended a local beauty college, becoming a beautician and worked in local shops.
In 1963 Shirley married again. They later divorced.
Shirley enjoyed camping, fishing and gardening. She always had a large garden at her home in Lewiston and could be seen tending it every day during the summer. She loved all animals but in particular her dogs. Throughout her life she always had one or more dogs living with her, being spoiled unmercifully.
Shirley is survived by two sons and a daughter-in-law of Lewiston; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren.
Although she is not with us physically, she will always be a part of each and every one of us. Her overwhelming strength to overcome adversity, childlike enthusiasm and overall zest for life has helped shape who we are. In her presence, you felt like you were the only person who mattered. In her absence, you feel a duty to try and live up to the person she was, the person she knew you could be. Thank you for teaching us to appreciate the simple things and not take life for granted. Grandma, you are beautiful beyond words and will be greatly missed.
A private service for family will be conducted at a later date.
The Lewiston Tribune, October 21, 2011, p. 5D
Transcribed by Jill Leonard Nock