Catherine McCrea Mercer

Catherine McCrea Mercer died peacefully at Parkland Estates, Halifax, N.S. on Friday, April 25, 2014. Born 1915 in Saint John, New Brunswick to William Everett Earle and Catherine Helena McCrea. Survived by her daughters Barbara-Jane (“B.J.”) Stevenson (Dr. W.R.) and Margaret-Ellen Disney (Dr. Thomas), her sister Margaret Kilpatrick of Titusville, N.B., 6 grandchildren: Kurt (Rayleen), Colin, Michael (Tanya) Stevenson and Sarah Stevenson Letcher (Dale), Luke (Sarah) and Bruce (Nicola) Disney. Also survived by 10 great grandchildren, Alex Esser, Victoria, Benjamin, Grace, and Charles Disney, Olivia, Joshua, Rhys, Keeley, and Blayse Stevenson, nieces and nephews, Goddaughter Tanya Crawford . Predeceased by her husband, Prof. Eric Bracewell Mercer.

Catherine’s home was her focus. Creating a comfortable environment for family and friends was important to her and over the years the family home on Cambridge Street became a gathering place for conversation, good food, and shelter. Many will remember with great fondness being welcomed into the warmth of that living room. For some it was their “home away from home.”

Catherine’s concerns and contributions extended outside her home. She was a woman of intelligence, strength, and creativity. She was active in the community and her church, always taking positions of responsibility, working hard, and with effectiveness. Catherine was skilled with a needle, for many years making her own and the girl’s clothes. She was a weaver in her early years and then turned to rug hooking, which she was still doing well into her nineties.

Following Eric’s death, Catherine entered fully into life at Cameron Hall serving on committees, participating in discussion groups, and finding ways that supported and enriched life there. She met many wonderful people at Parkland, both residents and staff. She was a friend to many, a mentor to others, and a role model to her daughters. Her philosophy of life was simple: “There is something greater than I. That is what I know.” It sustained her and inspired her.

Friends are invited to a celebration of Catherine’s life on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at 2.00 p.m. in The Pavilion at Parkland, 114 Fairfax Drive, Halifax.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution to the “Mission and Service Fund” of the United Church of Canada, the Brunswick Street Mission, or a charity of your own choice would be appreciated. Catherine will live on in the lives of those she touched.