Obituary of Carol Simons Mercer

Carol Simons Mercer, born April 4, 1916, in Mexico, NY, died suddenly on June 1, 2016, at her residence at McHarrie Pointe, Baldwinsville. Carol was predeceased in 1994 by her husband, Walter M. ("Bud") Mercer, with whom she shared a happy, loving partnership for 54 years. She is survived by one daughter, Ellen Mercer Fallon, and her husband, Joseph D. ("Jody') Fallon, of Hinesburg VT; one granddaughter, Sarah Mercer Fallon, of Colchester CT; and many dear nieces and nephews and their families. She was predeceased by her sister, Irene Smith. Carol was a 1938 graduate of Syracuse University, where she served as president of several student organizations and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. After moving to Baldwinsville with Bud after WWII, she became extremely active in many Baldwinsville organizations. A natural leader, she liked to "get things started" – she was a founder of Circle C at Grace Episcopal Church and of the Betsy Baldwin Chapter of DAR, and was the first manager of the Baldwinsville Volunteer Center. In 1967 she was honored as "Woman of the Year" for her many volunteer contributions to the town. Carol was athletic and outdoorsy, and enjoyed excursions on the family boat with Bud and Ellen on the Seneca River and through the Finger Lakes; visits to her sister's camp in the Adirondacks; and supporting Ellen's horse show activities throughout New England. Brave, strong, determined, and independent, Carol was undoubtedly an early female trailblazer for women to follow. She adored spending winters at Punta Gorda (FL) RV Resort, where she treasured many close friendships and led the annual "kayak parade" well into her nineties. She also loved visits to VT, where she delighted in being spoiled by Jody's cooking. She was fun and creative, and spearheaded many a craft project, especially making doll clothes with Sarah for "Anna." Most of all, Carol was fascinated by people. An astute, curious, broad-minded, and engaged observer of human nature, she was a terrific listener and provided thoughtful, non-judgmental commentary. She forgave people their foibles and had a soft spot for the non-conformist. She was flexible and forward-thinking. Best of all, she lived her life to the fullest every single day, a lasting example to us all. She brought sparkle and spice to every occasion, and we will treasure her special spirit in our hearts forever. The family wishes to extend its heartfelt thanks to the skilled and loving staff of McHarrie Towne and McHarrie Pointe, and to the close friends who gave so much of themselves to help her in every possible way as she aged so gracefully. Services will be 11:00 a.m. on June 11 at Grace Episcopal Church, Baldwinsville. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Female Charitable Society of Baldwinsville; NSDAR, Betsy Baldwin Chapter; Shacksboro Museum; McHarrie Life Foundation; or any other charity supporting the welfare, vitality, or history of Baldwinsville.