Dorothea Arlene Mercier

With profound sadness we announce the passing of Dorothea Arlene Decko Mercier of Bethune, South Carolina. She passed peacefully on Friday, December 25, 2020 in the presence of her loving family. She was born on April 8, 1936 at Waterbury Hospital, in Waterbury, C.T. to the late Bernard Paul Deco and Helen Wojtysiak.

As a single mother of six children, she would marry Robert W. Mercier who had 2 children of his own where they eventually settled in Bantam, C.T. They would remain married for 48 years until his death on July 6 of this year. Arlene supported and encouraged her husband to pursue a career in nursing, in the early years of their marriage. They made a decision that he would go to nursing school so they could better support the family. Him being in school meant the family would temporarily struggle while raising eight children. "Bob and I knew it would be tough and agreed to push through it". They sure did! Later Arlene and Robert retired from their respective nursing careers in 1996 and moved to Bethune, S.C. with friends. After retiring, Arlene and Robert enjoyed traveling, community activities in Bethune, S.C., which included yearly presentations as Mr. and Mrs. Santa and countless engagements with their closest friends. Arlene was a talented, and avid artist and very charitable. As a registered nurse, she was both compassionate and giving. She worked at several nursing homes and retired at Wolcott Hall Nursing Home in Torrington C.T.. as the Director of Nursing. It suited her service as she was both a servant to those in need and exhibited a very loving heart. Her wish was to be remembered as a good person, friend to others, loved all her children, grandchildren, great grandson, and husband very much. She encouraged all she knew to succeed as did her emigrant grandparents Karl and Josephine Wojtysiak from Poland with whom she resided with on Railroad Street in Thomaston C.T., in her youth. Later she resided in Terryville C.T., where she attended Terryville High school and had said, "I love that school" she exclaimed, "Back then, I walked to school in all kinds of weather", as she lived three miles from the school. She clearly loved her childhood days In Thomaston and Terryville C.T.. Lastly, all who knew Arlene, can attest how she was the strongest, most loving and gracious person in our lives. She valued her friendships and smiled bright, laughed louder and lived better because of them. Arlene treasured her children and embraced every moment like it was her last.

Arlene is survived by her children; Suzanne Helen Duval and her husband Melvin of Bethune, SC, John Joseph Novajasky of Torrington C.T., Kathleen Anne Deane and her husband James of Lehigh Acres F.L., Michael Thomas Novajasky and wife Heidi of Torrington C.T., Thomas Stephen Novajasky and wife Wendy of Farmington, C.T., Mary Margaret Hawkins and her husband Brent of Torrington C.T., and David John Mercier and his wife Jessica of Barkhamsted C.T.. Arlene was preceded in death by a son; Kenneth Lee Mercier, her twelve grandchildren; Robert Duval, Christopher Duval, Samantha Novajasky, Stephanie Novajasky, Brianna Novajasky, Michael Novajasky, Emma Novajasky, Ryan Novajasky, Jordan Quesnel, Marissa Quesnel, DJ Mercier, Katie Mercier, and great grandson Lucas Novajasky. We will always carry your loving memory in our hearts.

Funeral services for Robert and Dorthea Mercier on January 22, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish at 1 East Main Street, Thomaston, C.T. 06787.

The family will also hold a special rememberance service for Robert and Dorthea in Bethune, S.C. in the spring of 2021.

In addition on July 1, their wedding anniversary, the family will spread their ashes according to their wishes.

Baker Funeral Home is serving the Mercier family.

www.bakerfunerals.com