Dorothea A. Mercier

Dorothea Anne (Keaveney) Mercier, 90, of Storrs, CT died on July 20, 2021. Wherever a beautiful soul has been there is a trail of beautiful memories. 

Born October 15, 1930, she was the fourth of seven children of Martin and Catherine Josephine (Rogers) Keaveney. She was raised and educated in Waltham, MA. Over her father’s objections, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Framingham State University and her master’s degree from the University of Connecticut.

She married Dr. Joseph R. Mercier on August 24, 1958, and moved to Storrs, CT where they raised five children in a busy, nurturing, and well-directed household. Dorothea retired from the University of Connecticut as the Assistant Dean of the School of Family Studies, after a 30-year career as an educator.  Thereafter, she remained a fan of all things UConn.

In addition to her husband, Dorothea is predeceased by her brothers Martin J. Keaveney and Raymond L. Keaveney and her sisters, Bernadette Healy and Sister Patricia Keaveney, SND. She leaves their children, Michele M. Lewis and her husband, Thomas Lewis of Westfield, MA; Monique M. Rounseville and her husband Neal Rounseville of W Simsbury, CT; Julie M. Peinhardt and her husband William Peinhardt of Cheshire, CT; Marc P. Mercier and his wife Helen Waldron Mercier of Torrington, CT; and Christopher S. Mercier and his wife Beth Nesson of Haddam, CT. Dorothea was blessed with 13 grandchildren – Caroline Lewis; Bridget Lewis; Erin Lewis; Daniele Rounseville Kasper and husband Drew; Kyle Rounseville; Jordan Rounseville; Dominique Rounseville; Katherine Peinhardt; Christopher Peinhardt; Levi Mercier; Theo Mercier; Joseph Mercier and Benjamin Mercier. Dorothea is survived by her sisters Marie Robins of Charlottesville, VA and Madeline Bradley of Davie, Florida, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Dorothea was known for her deep devotion to her family, her faith, and for her profound strength. She was the foundation on which generations of the Mercier family grew.

She was a mentor, example and friend to many in her community. Dorothea was a very active parishioner of St Thomas Aquinas. During her retirement, she was a member of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization), League of Women Voters – Storrs, a docent at the William Benton Museum of Art – UConn and the Chairperson of the Advisory Committee to the Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, in addition to several bridge clubs and social groups.

Family and friends will celebrate Dorothea’s life by gathering for calling hours at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Willimantic CT on July 26, 2021, from 5 to 7 p.m. and at a funeral Mass to be celebrated on July 27, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Saint Thomas Aquinas Chapel, 46 N Eagleville Rd., Storrs, CT, followed by her burial at Storrs New Cemetery.

We honor with love, admiration, and respect our mother, grandmother, and family matriarch. No one spread more love in one extraordinary lifetime. No one will be missed more.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Joseph R Mercier Scholarship Fund, c/o Marc P. Mercier, Esq., Beck & Eldergill, P.C., 447 Center Street, Manchester, CT 06040, or the Windham Area Interfaith Ministry (W.A.I.M.), 866 Main St., Willimantic CT 06226.  For an online memorial guestbook please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com.  THE FAMILY REQUEST, IF YOU ARE NOT FULLY VACCINATED PLEASE WEAR A MASK.