Woodrow A. Mercier

1918 – 2010

CAPE ELIZABETH — Woodrow A. Mercier, 92, died on Friday, March 12, at the home of his daughter, Ann Beaumont, in Cape Elizabeth.

Born in Rumford on Nov. 25, 1918, he was the son of Solomon and Geneva (McLeod) Mercier.

He graduated from Stephens High School, Farmington Normal School, and earned his master’s degree in education from Boston University. In 1943, Woody married Sylvia Poulin. They were married for fifty-two years and together raised three daughters.

Woody was a Mainer all his life, and an educator for more than 35 years. His first position was a high school history teacher in East Millinocket. He then accepted principalships in Thomaston and Rumford. In the mid-1950s, Woody was selected Dixfield’s superintendent of schools, and then returned to East Millinocket as school superintendent until he retired in 1975. He remained involved in education for three additional years as a liaison between the Maine State Department of Education and the Maine Legislature.

An avid reader, Woody also enjoyed playing cards (especially duplicate bridge), watching sports events (he had a competitive nature), listening to the Big Band sounds and piano instrumentals, watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in all their activities, spending time at his camp in Weld, and good food (especially the family clam and lobster feeds at camp).

A well-respected man, Woody exemplified commitment, dedication, determination, optimism, spirit, and a thoughtful, loving nature. Any person who sought his advice (and there were many over the years) could depend on his thorough consideration, understanding, common sense and remarkable objectivity. He was a man who lived his life fully and taught others by his words, actions and examples to be true to your word, fair and honest.

Woody will be deeply missed by his three daughters and their husbands, Sheila and Tom Wheeler of Weld, Donna and Ozzie Swett of Sun City Center, Fla., and Ann and Don Beaumont of Cape Elizabeth; his seven grandchildren, Laura Pearce, Lynne Wheeler, Marie Kendrick, Todd Wheeler, Ann Litz, and Ryan and Danielle Beaumont; as well as his nine great-grandchildren.

The family expresses a special thank-you to all of his thoughtful, caring friends and staff members at Andrews House and Market Square in South Paris. The family also extends gratitude to the medical professionals of Hospice of Southern Maine, especially Kristen and Ruth, for their comforting assistance with his care.