Sydney
With sadness, we the family of Barbara Mercer announce her peaceful passing on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015, on our late Dad’s birthday.
Born in Guildford, England, on March 22, 1924, Barbara was the only child of the late Alfred and Louisa Bond.
Barbara and Charlie were married in England, and after the birth of their first three children, they left England and made Sydney, Cape Breton, their new home, where they completed their family with the addition of three more children.
Mom had a real zest for life and her cheerful and positive outlook brought happiness to everyone who knew her. Barbara was an avid bowler and enjoyed the many leagues and trips with her bowling buddies. She was a member of the Whitney Pier Legion Branch 128 Ladies Auxiliary, and a member of the Whitney Pier senior club. Mom loved darts, playing cards, watching sports and games shows. In her earlier years she loved swimming and walking outdoors with her favourite pet. She also enjoyed the many trips to Grand Greve with her sister in-law. In their younger years, Mom and Dad especially enjoyed dancing. Barbara will be missed by all who knew her.
Barbara is survived by her sons, Michael (Peggy), Coxheath, John (Vida) and James, both from Edmonton, and Carl (Denise), Sydney River; daughters, Jocelyn Keirstead (Blair), Woodstock, N.B., and Donna Colbourne (Rodney), Sydney River; grandchildren, Angela Mercer Penny (Ryan), Megan and John Keirstead, Julie, Andy, Aaron Mercer, Lisa and Emily Mercer, Darren (Amanda), Kaitlin, Grant and Michael Colbourne; five great-grandchildren and six step-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by a special sister-in-law and best friend, Shirley Penney, who was like the sister she never had, and Shirley's children, Tommy and Leona, for they also played a special role in mom's life.
Besides her parents, Barbara was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Charles Roland.
The family would like to thank the staff and the residents of Parkland Cape Breton for the kindness and friendship they extended to Mom over the past few years. We would also like to extend our thanks to Dr. Glen Worth and the great staff of 4C for the compassionate care they extended to all of us during her brief stay.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Barbara Mary Mercer will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, All Faith Chapel, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street) on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015, at 1 p.m. with Archdeacon Brenda Drake officiating. Following the service a light luncheon will be held in the funeral home reception area. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
Donations in Barbara's memory can be made to the SPCA or a charity of choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Send an online condolence.
Online Condolences
We were deeply saddened to learn of Barbara's passing. We will remember her in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Mike & Doris Laffin
We will always treasure our many memories of Barb sharing her laughter and legendary spaghetti sauce with us at Dundee. Our thoughts are with you all
From: Pat Alexander
From: Marie Neaves
It is with great sadness that we send our condolences to the family of a kind and genuine woman, Barbara Mercer.
From: The Currans, Bay St.
Condolences to the family of Barb, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
From: Raylene Kiley and Family
Dear Donna and Family, I was so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing and wanted to offer you and your family my deepest sympathy.
From: Raylene
Thinking of you all today as you celebrate the life of a wonderful lady. My fondest memory of Grammy Mercer was her big strong hug. She always had her arm tightly wrapped around someone and today I feel she has both arms wrapped around all of you.
From: Shelley MacLeod
My sincere condolences to Jocelyn and the Mercer family on your mothers passing.May she rest in peace.
From: Jay Duguid
So very sorry for your loss. Thinking of all of you.
From: John and Donna Murphy
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
From: Donald and Marilyn Mollon
I had the pleasure of knowing Barb and she was quite a lady..she will be greatly missed not only by her family but also the people who knew her..she is now with her beloved and her family should know that even though you cannot see her she is with you in spirit each and everyday. Your very own Guardian Angel. God Bless!
From: Michelle Brewer
Mike, Peggy & Family, Sending sincere sympathy to you at this sad time.
Thinking of you, our hearts go out to you all.
From: Crystal and Don
Dear Jocelyn and all your family. I was saddened to hear of your Mom's passing. Our thoughts are with you. Paula and Clyde
Barb a.k.a. Mrs . Mercer was like a second mom to me while growing up next door. She was one of my moms long time friends and she treasured that friendship. Hugs to the whole family. May you rest in Peace. Patsy McVicar and Family
To the Mercer family; Sorry to hear of aunt Barbara's passing lots of memories.Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Dear Donna and family, Rose and I (Bosco) wish to express our deepest Heart Felt sympathy on the passing of your mother. Our prayer and thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
From: Bosco Harkin
Donna and Family; sorry about your mother's passing
From: Mary Broussard