Mary G. Mercker

Mary was born in Louisville, Kentucky, the youngest of Frank and Adeline Gottbrath’s four children. She lost both parents by the time she was 15 years old. Supported by the generosity of friends and family, Mary attended night school and managed the baby department at Woolworth’s Department Store. In 1945, she finished her last year in school and met her future husband, Ed Mercker, who had just returned from serving in the Army Air Corp during World War II. They were married six months later and soon started a family.

Ed was called to serve in the Korean War, and together Ed and Mary decided a career in the military would provide a promising future. Mary was a devoted wife and quickly learned that raising five children while her husband served his country would be a challenge in its own right. The couple traveled extensively as part of Ed’s military service, including a stint in Misawa, Japan, where they would live with their children for three years. Upon Ed’s retirement from the Army, the family returned to Louisville, where Mary sold encyclopedias as a way to make some extra money. She retired from World Book some 25 years later as one of the company’s top producers. Mary and Ed remained happily married for 71 years until Ed’s passing on June 28, 2017.

Mary lived a life filled with love and laughter. She is fondly remembered by her children as exceedingly patient, loving, and supportive. Mary enjoyed spending time with her family, playing bunko with her girlfriends, listening to music, dancing, and playing cards and dominos with Ed. She was also an avid University of Kentucky basketball fan.

Mary is survived by her five children: Eric Mercker (Kathy) of Virginia Beach, VA; Robert Mercker (Carol Ann) of Great Falls, VA; Raymond Mercker (Lee) of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; Mary Irrgang (Terry) of Marietta, GA; and Barbara Mercker of Sterling, VA. In addition, she is survived by 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she is also preceded in death by sister, Loretta Richards and brothers, Eddie Longacre and Frank Longacre.

We wish to express our sincere thanks to the staff at Parc at Piedmont, where Mary and Ed lived for eight years. Mary spent the final days of her life at The Phoenix on Johnson Ferry, and we are grateful for the kindness and compassion that staff showed to her. We would also like to thank Trinity Hospice for their dedication and selflessness in caring for Mary. Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, November 18th, at 1 pm at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Sandy Springs, GA. Interment will be held Friday, 11:00 am, Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that you consider making a contribution to one of these organizations. Catholic Charities, St. Jude Children’s Hospital and American Heart Association.