LENOX DALE - In loving memory of Rena A. (Castegnaro) Mercier, 88yrs of Lenox Dale, Massachusetts who died peacefully on Sunday, November 27, 2016 at the Hospice Care Center in Jacksonville, Florida, due to complications from mesothelioma. She was surrounded by her daughter and family who were visiting for Thanksgiving. Born on January 31, 1928, Rena was the daughter of Peter Castegnaro Sr. and Antoinette (Andreghetti) Castegnaro (both predeceased) of Lee, Massachusetts where she grew up and attended the public schools. After her marriage to Paul Mercier (predeceased) of Great Barrington in 1952, she was a home-maker who, along with her sisters, helped to make ends meet by keeping house for a small group of clients in Lee and South Lee. She also worked as a seamstress. The couple made their home in Lenox Dale for 47 years. After Paul's death in 1999, she split her time between Lenox Dale and with her daughter in Florida. At first Rena was reluctant to move from her home town of Lee, but, she came to love that little house in the Dale. Family was important to her and her to them. Never complaining, she quietly assumed responsibilities and provided direction when it was needed. When family visitors came from out of town, when family was ill, when someone needed an outstretched hand of understanding, they came to her or she was already there. Untiringly, she put the needs of others before of her own personal challenges. And with uninvited attention, she quietly became our family matriarch, a trusted listener, a friend, always at the stove for an opportunity to share a meal, and when needed, a firm advisor. To all, she was a respected mentor who without words and quiet confidence challenged us to be better than we might have thought ourselves possible. In addition to her parents and husband, Rena is predeceased by six siblings; John (1922-26), Marino (1926-28), Blanche (1922-66), Jenny (1929-2003), Norma (1924-2005), and Angelo John (1936-2013). She is survived by her brother Peter Castegnaro Jr. of Pittsfield, MA; son Paul Mercier Jr of Canterbury, New Hampshire; daughter Paula Dowling of Jacksonville, Florida; five grand-children; six great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and friends. There will be no calling hours. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be at St. Vincent De Paul Church in Lenox Dale on Monday, December 5th at 11 AM burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Lee. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Vincent De Paul Church in c/o the Kelly Funeral Home 3 Main Street Lee, MA 01238.

Service Details

Monday, December 5th, 2016 11:00am, St. Vincent de Paul

Interment Details

St. Mary's Cemetery