Robert W. and Dorothea A. Mercier

Eternal love has left this earth and moved on with the passing of Robert W. & Dorothea A. Mercier. Robert William Mercier passed away on July 6, 2020 and Dorothea Arlene Mercier followed on December 25, 2020. Robert, the son of Ludger and Aline (Hebert) Mercier was born on June 25, 1941. Robert served during the Vietnam Era as a medic at a hospital ward stationed in Germany from 1966-1968. And Dorothea, the daughter of Bernard and Helen (Wojtysiak) Decko, was born on April 8, 1936. Robert, known as Bob, and Dorothea, known as Arlene, Ar, or Arski, met during a blind date and soon married. They remained married for 48 years and raised eight children together. Arlene had her six children and Bob had his two when they united in marriage on July 1, 1972 in Bantam, CT. They both worked very hard to sustain their family, provide for them and maintain a home. Bob and Arlene did not shy away from hard work and providing for their family. In fact Bob would attend nursing school at night to earn his LPN and worked during the day in their early years of marriage. Then after graduation, Bob would always work two jobs until his retirement. Arlene, already a Registered Nurse would work long hours to help with the family needs too. Both Bob and Arlene understood the concept of hard work and what "making a living" really met as Bob was a first generation emigrant and Arlene, a second generation emigrant. Bob and Arlene also volunteered for many years at the Bantam Fire Company. Bob acted as a volunteer fire man and Arlene was active in the women's auxiliary. Bob and Arlene were also involved with the boy scouts. Arlene a den mother and Bob a scout master. Bob was an avid fisherman and hunter who enjoyed his annual hunting trips, and his second love; his motorcycle. For twenty five years, Bob enjoyed taking his annual biker road trip across the country. And throughout his life he remained a member of the VFW and the American Legion. Arlene was a gifted artist, she painted free hand and is well known for her hand painted Christmas decorations. She even found time to run a gift and craft store in Bantam CT. Once the family was raised and on their own, Arlene retired from director of nursing at Wolcott Hall Nursing Home and Bob as an LPN from the State of CT DOC. They then moved to Bethune South Carolina in 1996. They would leave CT with a heavy heart, but looking forward to their retirement years with the company of their dearest friends who had also retired to Bethune South Carolina. Bob and Arlene would spend their retirement years traveling, being involved in many community activities, entertaining their friends and just fussing over one another. Bob and Arlene are best known in Bethune, as Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus. Each year they would represent the spirit of Christmas in full costume and of mind to area schools, churches and local parades. Bob especially loved this role as Santa Claus and he took several days after Christmas to shed it. Being giving, bringing brightness and encouragement to another are just a few traits Bob and Arlene brought forth. They will be forever etched in the memories of those whom crossed their path, shared a coffee with, spent a holiday with, did the holiday dishes with, cut the wood for the stove, grilled on the back deck, shared the annual camping trips, enjoyed the annual carnival parades, or just sat with and talked. Their children can attest to these memories held dear and unforgettable. Robert and Arlene are survived by their children; Suzanne Duval and her husband Melvin of Bethune, SC, John Novajasky of Torrington, CT, Kathleen Deane and her husband Jimmy of Lehigh Acres, FL, Michael Novajasky and wife Heidi of Torrington, CT, Thomas Novajasky and wife Wendy of Farmington, CT, Mary Hawkins and her husband Brent of Torrington, CT, and David Mercier and his wife Jessica of Barkhamsted, CT. Robert and Arlene were preceded in death by a son Kenneth Mercier. Also surviving are their twelve grandchildren; Robert Duval, Christopher Duval, Samantha Novajasky, Stephanie Novajasky, Brianna Novajasky, Michael Novajasky, Emma Novajasky, Ryan Novajasky, Jordan Quesnel, Marissa Quesnel, DJ Mercier, Katie Michaud, and two great grandchildren, Lucas Novajasky and Alaina Michaud. So with great reverence the family would like all those who have crossed paths, known, enjoyed, and loved Robert and Arlene Mercier to join in mass at ST Maximilian Kolbe Parish , located at (ST Thomas Church) in Thomaston, located on 1 East Main Street, January 22, 2021 at 10AM. A written tribute to Robert and Arlene can be placed at the Baker's Funeral Home website of South Caroline at www.bakerfunerals.com