JoAnn Mercer

On Saturday, February 9, 2024, JoAnn S. Mercer, loving wife and mother of three passed away at age ninety-one. JoAnn passed peacefully in her sleep at home with her son present.

Born to Gladwin and Luvena Swicegood in Crossville, Tennessee, JoAnn was the first in her family to graduate college, she went on to teach high school English for Albuquerque Public Schools. While working as a teacher, JoAnn met her future husband, Joseph H. Mercer and together, they would raise three children: Stephen, Jennifer, and Matthew.

An Avid reader, JoAnn had a love for American Literature as well as mysteries, her book collection proudly covered many walls of her home. JoAnn also loved theater, was a member of the Tom L. Popejoy Society and spent many hours enjoying British mysteries on television. She also enjoyed science fiction and made it a Christmas tradition to take her son to each Star Wars movie.

JoAnn was well known for her strong-willed support for the New Mexico Democratic Party and was an active member of The League of Women's Voters, PEO and AAUW for over 50 years.

JoAnn will be remembered for her generosity; love of Art and Dance and her collection of Santa Clause Statues is legendary.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; her parents; her son, Stephen; and her stepdaughter, Sandy Duffey. She is survived by her children, Jennifer Mercer and Matthew Mercer; and her grandchildren, Jeff Poulin and Brandon Poulin.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, February 22, 2024, 10:30 a.m., at St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church, 425 University Blvd. NE. Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.

For those able, donations can be made to the University of New Mexico Foundation of Albuquerque, Joseph H. Mercer, and Stephen T. Mercer Scholarship Fund.