Karen “KK” Myrna (Hinkley) Mercier

LEWISTON – Karen “KK” Myrna (Hinkley) Mercier, 62, passed away Saturday, October 16, 2021, at Central Maine Medical Center with her family by her side after a valiant 15-year fight with cancer. She was born on August 7, 1959, in Gardiner, Maine, the daughter of Maxine (Waltz) and Gilman Hinkley, Sr. of Richmond. Karen was a 1977 graduate of Richmond High School. After High School she went on to earn her nursing degree from Central Maine Medical Center’s School of Nursing in 1979. On June 27, 1981, in Richmond, Maine she married Peter Mercier, they were happily married for 40 years at the time of her passing. Karen started her nursing career at CMMC in Lewiston on M4 but spent almost 30 years as a (mostly) pediatric RN for Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice. She had a special interest in Pediatric Oncology. She enjoyed working with children and had a way of connecting with them, probably because she shared their ability to do or say anything without a thought as to what others would think. You could always find her at any local sporting event, especially those of her great nieces and nephews or younger cousins. She also enjoyed going to the High School Basketball Tournaments at the Augusta Civic Center. She enjoyed her children’s bowling tournaments as well. She played with the Ladies League at Maple Lane Golf Course. Even after she was unable to play herself, she loved going on golfing trips and riding in the cart alongside Peter while he and their friends played. She enjoyed camping, cross stitching, quilting, and knitting. She always had a smile for everyone, unless you cut her off in traffic then you got a horn and some choice words. She was the first to crack a joke or do something that would make her children and husband lovingly roll their eyes and shake their heads. She loved to make others laugh. Karen is survived by her husband, Peter Mercier of Leeds, her daughter, Audra Bailey and husband Randall of Randolph, her son, Joshua Mercier and wife Rebecca of Lewiston, her brother, Gilman Hinkley, Jr. and wife Joline of Lewiston, her nephews, Christopher Hinkley and wife Jennifer, and Joey Hinkley and wife Samantha, her parents, Gilman and Maxine Hinkley, and many great-nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones. She was predeceased by her grandparents, Ervine and Myrna Waltz, and her Aunt, Rosalie Waltz. Her family would like to thank the nurses and CNAs at CMMC, Lewiston M4. Despite being overworked and exhausted due to the staff shortages, the care they provided was exemplary. They treated her like a person, and not just another chart. They were compassionate, kind, and patient. We are grateful for them. Messages of condolence may be sent to: http://www.finleyfuneralhome.comA Service will be held at 11AM, Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at BRAGDON-FINLEY FUNERAL HOME, 707 Main Street, Monmouth, Maine. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4-7 PM on Monday, October 25, 2021. In lieu of flowers, please consider doing something kind for a nurse in Karen’s honor.