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BORN
1954
DIED
2019
Kathryn Mercer Obituary
August 26, 1954 - May 4, 2019
Redlands, California
Kathryn was born in Ft. Worth, Texas on August 26, 1954. She was a Texan through and through. At a young age she was introduced to ballet, which became a lifelong passion. She was a professional ballet dancer, most notably with the Ballet de Marseille, into her early 20s. After leaving the ballet world, Kathryn earned her undergraduate degree in Texas and then graduated from University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in 1987.
After residency at Monmouth Medical Center in New Jersey, she settled in the San Francisco Bay Area practicing as an obstetrician/gynecologist, primarily in Palo Alto, for 21 years, as Dr. Kathryn Matthews for most of that time. She enjoyed nothing better than participating in the joyous event of a birth, and she loved spending time with and getting to know her patients. She retired from her medical practice in 2013.
Kathryn was a pet lover her entire life having raised and pampered numerous dogs, cats and sundry animals over the years. At the time of her death, she was parenting three dogs, three cats and seven ducks. Rosco, Bentley, Olive, Isis, Norman and Layla (not to mention seven ducks) will miss her gentle touch.
Her mother Inez Beale Harrell and her husband Scott Mercer, both of Redlands survive Kathryn. She is also survived by her children Jessica Matthews (Jonathan Tirrell), Max Matthews and Rachel Matthews, stepson Michael Mercer (Bethany) as well as her brother Travis Harrell (Katherine), her niece, Aimee Etier, and nephews, Noel Etier and Ben Harrell.
Those who wish to remember Kathryn should consider donating to the animal welfare agency of your choice, while humming "Deep In The Heart of Texas."
View the online memorial for Dr. Kathryn Mercer (nee Harrell)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kathryn Mercer
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
4 Entries
Carmela A
July 31, 2020
I was saddened to discover that Kathryn has passed. She delivered all three of my children through difficult pregnancies. I will always see her in my mind holding a newborn, smiling. She was a kind, joyful human being and made the world a better place for having been here. My sympathies to her family. She won't be forgotten.
Dana Taylor
December 2, 2019
Kathy,
I was shocked to hear you are gone. We grew up together, danced together and shared our lives together. Even though we had grown apart over the years, when we saw each other we would just pick again as though we were never away. Love to your family. Dana
May 25, 2019
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 119:76.
Lilian C
May 17, 2019
Kathryn was my doctor through 4 pregnancies and births. I loved her so much from the start, 17 years ago - she was always so honest, strong, comforting and confidence-inspiring. I was sad for me when she retired but very happy for her to enjoy a new chapter. I am devastated that she is gone. We exchanged emails after Christmas, and she was enthusiastic about her life, kids and grandkids - and wry and funny as ever. Deep condolences to Kathryn's husband and family. She was an extraordinary human being. I will miss her very much and always be grateful to have known her.
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