Mercedes Myra Kotelnicki

Mercedes Kotelnicki, born August 29, 1923, in Detroit, Michigan, passed away on March 21, 2013 in Cameron Park, California. She was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, Norman Kotelnicki, and is survived by her daughter, Jerri Young and husband Bob; son, Jeff Acock and wife Roberta; sister, Roni Trautman; and many nieces and nephews.

Following her high school graduation, Mercedes worked at Packard Motor Co. and General Electric Co. She joined the U. S. Navy WAVES in March 1945 and served until June 1946. She was stationed in Arlington, VA and Washington, D.C. and worked part of her service in the Pentagon, Bureau of Aeronautics and also "Charge of Barracks." Most of her working career was spent as Administrative Assistant, Executive Secretary, and Secretary to the President of medical companies. She worked many years in the aircraft industry and the second part of her career life in the medical field - research programs for many doctors.

After her retirement, Mercedes took up the "Egg Art of Faberge," a hobby spanning 37 years. She was called by many "The Egg Lady of Placerville," where she gave many lectures on her art of Eggeury. Her proud works have been shown on three different television shows; one in NBC Studios Los Angeles; two in Placerville. Two of her proudest accomplishments were the acceptance of one of her "EGGS" by President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan, which is now in his Presidential Library in Simi Valley, and shortly before her passing, the acceptance of one by the Smithsonian. Another of her eggs, given to the Administrator of St. Joseph's Hospital in Burbank, was placed in a museum in Canada.

Mercedes was a member of the Placerville Emblem Club for 30 years, 25 of them as Chaplain; member of the Sacramento WAVES; WAVES National; Fleet Reserve; member of the International and Northern California Egg Artists; and has volunteered many years of community service. She enjoyed several activities with many of her friends, including BUNCO and Rummy groups. Mercedes will be missed by many. Her remains will be cremated by Chapel of the Pines then scattered at sea by the U.S. Navy.

A Memorial Service with military honors will be conducted by the Emblem Club on Saturday, March 30, 2013, 1:00 p.m.at the Elk's Lodge, 3821 Quest Court, Shingle Springs, California. Donations may be made to Snowline Hospice, 6520 Pleasant Valley Rd., Diamond Springs, CA 95619.