OKEECHOBEE, Fla. — Mary Ellen (Ewing) Mercer of Okeechobee, Fla., died peacefully May 7, 2009. Her husband of 25 years, John Homer Mercer, predeceased her in December 2001.
She was born in Mount Vernon in 1933 to John D. Ewing and Esther Boner Ewing. She attended Denison University and was a member of Tri Delta Sorority. After she moved to Miami, she became a model and worked as a secretary. During her marriage, Mary Ellen and John resided in the Pine Crest section of South Miami. They traveled many times to Africa on hunting and photographic safaris. They also raised champion field trial Brittany Spaniels. Mary Ellen was an avid quail hunter and a trap and skeet enthusiast. In 1992, the Mercers moved to a game preserve named Indian Hammock in Okeechobee, Fla., where they enjoyed nature, wildlife, trap and skeet.
She is survived by her stepdaughter, Frances deCourcy Mercer; her devoted friends, Sue Black and Anne Bonanno; her dedicated caregiver, Teri Foulke; the many Indian Hammock friends; and cousins in Ohio.
All of her friends will miss her and will carry fond memories.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to American Brittany Rescue, 114 Marlin Court, Centerville, MD 21617.
A celebration of life will be at a later date.
