Jacqueline "Jackie" Mercer

Services will be today in Santa Cruz for Jacqueline Marietta Mercer who passed away peacefully on April 27th at Dominican Hospital. Born in Hart, Michigan, she was 87 years old. She was affectionately known as "Babs" by her grandsons from a character that she portrayed in a play performance. A talented dancer, Jackie won numerous dance competitions in Michigan and continued her love for dance into her later years.

A long time resident of Santa Cruz County for the past 49 years, she lived most of those years in Watsonville. Jackie was employed as the office manager for the Watsonville Chamber of Commerce for 15 years and then as the bookkeeper of Del Mar Foods, and Watsonville Canning Company. She later worked in the retail flower business for 5 years as the owner of El Pajaro Gardens.

Jackie volunteered her time with various organizations including: in the Soroptomist Club of Watsonville and Watsonville Presbyterian Church. She served as Worthy Matron of Order of Eastern Star Watsonville Chapter, and was a very active member of San Lorenzo Valley Athletic Booster Club, as she enjoyed watching her grandsons compete in high school sports there. Her family will forever remember her love for animals; especially dogs and horses, and most of all, Mindy the Wonder Dog.

She is survived by her daughter and son in-law, Vicki and Erik Eriksen of Comstock Park, Michigan, her son and daughter in-law, Dave and Chris Mercer of Ben Lomond, and her daughter Cammy Mercer of Comstock Park, Michigan. She also leaves her grandchildren, Sherri Vanarendonk, Scott Eriksen, David Eriksen, Lisa Caswell, Brian Mercer, Mark Mercer, and Jeff Mercer. Jackie also is survived by her seven beloved great grandchildren and was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Mercer.

Services will be today April 29th at 3 p.m. at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel. A private burial will take place at a later date at Felton District Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to S.LV. Boosters Club c/o San Lorenzo Valley High School