Sophie "Sue" (Baran) Mercik

Norwich - Sophie “Sue” Baran Mercik, age 98, of Norwich, passed from earthly life at her home on October 16, 2024. Born on Christmas Day, 1925 to the late Harry and Nadya (Ivanovsky) Baran, she grew up in Fitchville and resided there most of her life. After graduating from Norwich Free Academy, she met the love of her life, Theodore Mercik, of Versailles. They had a whirlwind romance that blossomed into a marriage lasting 52 years, until he predeceased her. Sue worked many years as a teller for Connecticut Bank and Trust and was a lifelong parishioner at St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother (affectionately called Grandma Buttercup), sister, aunt and friend. Her hobbies included knitting, reading, doing puzzles, making jam, and attending plays and baseball games. She will be greatly missed and remembered for her loving kindness and contagious positive attitude.

Sue is survived by daughter Barbara Blake and her husband Norman, daughter Janice Talbert and her husband Michael, grandson Eric Talbert, granddaughter Lauren Talbert, as well as cherished sister Elizabeth (Betty) Forader, several nieces and nephews, and goddaughter Olga Ayala, who, with her husband Pedro, provided exceptional care and compassion for years. She was predeceased by sisters Mary Kozersky and Ann Segal.

The Mercik family would like to thank family friend Karen J. for home care, as well as the staff of Norwichtown Care Center, Hartford HealthCare Hospice, and Linda, Victoria, and Alicia for their support during her final weeks.

Family and friends may visit Church and Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem Street, Norwich on Sunday, October 20th from 4-6 pm. A Panikhida (funeral service) will be held at St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, 35 Convent Ave., Norwich on Monday, October 21st at 1 pm. Burial will immediately follow at St. Nicholas Cemetery behind Mahan School.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Nicholas Church Cemetery Fund, 35 Convent Ave., Norwich, CT.