Irene Mercier, 1937 - 2008

Irene Mercier, wife of Laurier Mercier, passed away February 22, 2008 at Sacred Heart Health Care Centre in McLennan after a brief struggle with lung cancer. She was born on her father's farm four miles north-west of Falher on February 2, 1937; Dr. Hardy was in assistance. Irene was the daughter of Pierre Paul formerly of Sorel, QC and Agnes Crawford of Glasgow, Scotland. After graduating from high school, Irene worked for one year at the Co-op, one year at the Treasury Branch, 15 years at the Bank of Montreal, and 25 years at Alberta Power. She is survived by her husband, Laurier, and one sibling, Lilian Beland of McLennan. Her funeral service was held in the St. Anne Church in Falher on February 27, 2008 with Father Joseph Jacobson officiating. Marcella Lorrain, a cousin of Laurier, was at the organ; Charles Doyle, a nephew on Laurier's side was the eulogist; Jean Beland, a nephew on Irene's side carried the urn; Roger Dufour, of Fort St. John, a nephew on Laurier's side was the cross bearer. The soloists were John O'Mahony, Meagan Houle and Real Croteau. The readers were Margaux Beland of Ottawa; Sophie Mercier of Grande Prairie and Ginette Mercier-Bugnet of Grande Prairie, three nieces. Her ashes will be buried later in the year in the Donnelly cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Chapel of Memories, Peace River.