AUBURN – Gertrude B. Mercier, 88, of York Street in Rumford, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, with her loving family at her side, on Monday, Oct. 16, at the Hospice House after a brief illness.

She was born in Rumford on Oct. 19, 1917, a daughter of Joseph M. and Annie (Fleury) Blier. Gertrude received her elementary education in Rumford and her secondary education with the Sisters of Chretienne in Salem, Mass.

She married Alphonse G. Mercier on May 19, 1947, in Mexico, Maine, and together they would have celebrated 60 years of marriage on May 19, 2007.

Gertrude was a communicant of St. Athanasius and St. John Catholic Church.

She was a lector and CCD teacher, sang in the choir for many years, and also played the organ at St. Theresa’s Church in Mexico.

She was a member of the Ladies of St. Anne, Presentation of St. Mary, Cursillo and Charismatic Prayer Group, and was also a volunteer at the St. Athanasius and St. John Library for many years.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Alphonse G. Mercier; a daughter, Anne M. Young and husband, Robert, of Mexico; three grandchildren, Stephanie Turner and husband, Scott, Ryan Young and fiancée, Heidi Merrill, and Amy Levesque and husband, Lucas; three great-grandchildren, Jordyn Turner, Alana Young and Ella Young.

She was predeceased by her parents; and two brothers, George and Wilfred Blier.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of The Hospice House for the wonderful care given to Gertrude.