709 466-3468
299 Memorial Drive

Roberta Mercer June 4, 1945 - July 4, 2023

The world lost a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister, Roberta Madge Mercer, on July 4, 2023. Roberta passed peacefully away at home surrounded by her loving husband, Philip, and children, Scott (Amber) and JoAnn (Mark).

Roberta was born on June 4, 1945, to parents Robert and Madge Horwood, in Bonavista. Raised in Clarenville, she attended Horwood High and then went on to graduate from the General Hospital School of Nursing, Class of 1966, after which she worked at the Cottage Hospital in Come-by-Chance.

Philip and Roberta were married in 1968 in Clarenville, when their beautiful love story began. They were partners in every sense of the word. Roberta became a stay-at-home mom when their children were born, but was also actively involved in working at their family business, Mercer’s Marine. Alongside her husband, they grew the business together. They shared a very full and happy life raising their children, working side-by-side, and travelling the world.

Roberta had an unconditional love for animals and was a huge supporter of the local SPCA and Feral Felines. She was known for years informally as “the town vet,” as she helped nurse many creatures back to health.

Predeceased by her parents Robert and Madge Horwood, parents-in-law Ralph and Ruby Mercer, and nephew Peter Horwood. Leaving to mourn with fond and loving memories are husband Philip; son Scott (Amber) and daughter JoAnn (Mark); brother Hughie (Madonna); nephew Rob (Heather); grandchildren Nick, Kylie, Jaylen and Jolene; step-grandchildren Lydia, Noah, and Samantha; as well as close family and friends.

As per Roberta’s wishes, in her memory and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA or Feral Felines.

A very special thank you to Roberta’s family physician, Dr. Gordon Stockwell, who went above and beyond during her final days. Your kindness will never be forgotten. As well, the family would like to thank Dr. McCarthy and Dr. Dawson for their care during Roberta’s illness.

The family would like to thank you for respecting their privacy at this time.

Condolences(79)

  1. REPLY
    Eric Suley says

    One of the sweetest, sincere and loving people I have ever met! Philip and family, Clarenville and all of us who knew and loved Roberta will mourn with you. That beautiful smile will always be remembered.

  2. REPLY
    Lyle Adams Diane says

    Philip we do know what words to say at this time.
    See you later

    • REPLY
      Timothy and Gloria Greening says

      Roberta was a very beautiful lady known by my husband, Timothy. Sorry for your loss.

    • REPLY
      Bob (Bernice) Nick and Jonathan Chafe and our Family says

      To Mr. Mercer (Philip), Scott, Jo-Ann and Families.

      Please accept our sincerest of condolences on Mrs. Mercer’s (Roberta’s) passing.

      I had the pleasure of first meeting Roberta many years ago when travelling between St. John’s and Gander and dropping down to the Store to pick up Wester Wool for my Mom and Aunt. She was always so kind and gentle from that day to the end.

      I/we pray that the love of your Family and Friends and the many fond memories help you all through this most difficult of times.

    • REPLY
      Gord and Faye says

      Philip and family. Our condolonces on the loss of a beautiful person. Such a lovely, caring lady with an infectious smile. She will truly be missed by her family and friends and by all of Clarenville. Take care.

  3. REPLY
    Margaret Hamlyn says

    Phillip and family,
    Was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Roberta’s passing.My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
    May gods love and light surround you all at this very difficult time.
    In Christian Love,
    Margaret Hamlyn (Corner Brook)

    • REPLY
      Joyce ( Lethbridge ) Moore says

      Philip and family. Sincere condolences on the passing of Roberta

  4. REPLY
    Bob Rossiter says

    Philip, Scott, Joann and all the family please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Roberta.

  5. REPLY
    Judy fitzpatrick says

    Most sincere sympathy to you all. We recall many happy memories and will cherish them. Her kindness and hospitality was limitless. Please know we are sharing in your loss. Condolences to you all. Don and Judy Fitzpatrick

  6. REPLY
    Ivan Glenda Penney says

    To the Mercer Family.. Sorry to hear of Roberta’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ivan and Glenda

  7. REPLY
    Edgar and Nina King says

    Heartbroken to hear of Roberta’s passing away!
    Heaven gained another precious Angel!
    Sincere condolences to Philip, Scott, Jo Ann and their families and friends!

  8. REPLY
    June Mills says

    Philip, Scott, JoAnn and families, so sorry to hear the sad news. Keep your memories close…June(Mills) and Paul

  9. REPLY
    Herb &. Lorraine Goldsworthy says

    Phillip &. Family;
    We are deeply saddened to hear of Roberta’s passing.
    Our thoughts are with you at this time.

  10. REPLY
    Nicholas Moody says

    So saddened to hear of her passing. My thoughts are with you all during your time of loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family.

    • REPLY
      Lorraine Thistle says

      Dear Philip, Scott and Joanne and families , please accept our deepest condolences on Roberta’s passing ! Shocked and sadden . As you know I met Roberta (Bobbi) in 1963 as we entered nursing together and became good friends!! She was always so gentle , soft spoken and always had that infectious smile !! Because of her friendship and my visits to Clarenville I met Carson there!! May God bless you all and hold her memories close !! Carson and Lorraine Thistle

  11. REPLY
    Alwin Rideout says

    Your in my thoughts and prayers.
    Praying the Lord will tenderly guide, strengthen & bless you with all the things He know you need.
    Always remember there will be no sorrow in Gods tomorrow.
    Love & Prayers are with you all.

    Alwin Rideout,

  12. REPLY
    Jenny Norman says

    Philip ,So sorry to hear of Roberta’s passing..My condolences to you and your family.

  13. REPLY
    Roy and Debbie (Pack) Greening says

    To Philip and Family. We were saddened to learn of Roberta’s passing. Any time we were in her company, she always, always flashed that beautiful smile. Treasure your memories and know others are thinking about all of you.

  14. REPLY
    Sherry Pike says

    Sending our deepest condolences to Philip, Scott, JoAnn and family. Thinking of you all at this very difficult time. Bruce and Sherry Pike and Jane Wiseman.

  15. REPLY
    Dorothy Baker says

    My sincere condolences to Philip and family, Roberta was an amazing lady, God must if needed another angel, you will be in my thoughts at this very difficult time.

  16. REPLY
    Una King Johnson says

    Philip, Scott, JoAnn and families,
    So sad to hear to Roberta’s passing. Sending my sincere condolences to you all during this most difficult time. She was such a sweet Lady , I’m remembering when I first met her in the early’70’s at what was then Mercer’s marine . Cherish your wonderful memories.
    Sincerely,
    Una King Johnson

  17. REPLY
    Gloria Pinsent says

    So sorry to hear of Roberta’s passing. Sincere condolences to Philip, Scott, Jo Ann and all the family.

  18. REPLY
    Glenn F. Ploughman says

    Our most sincere condolences to the entire Mercer family. The love of this beautiful life-partnership has been demonstrated throughout the decades Phil and Roberta were together. The growth of their phenomenal business and family demonstrates the faith they had in each other throughout their lives together. Roberta will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Sent by Charlotte Pippy and Glenn Ploughman

  19. REPLY
    Sue Murley (Ryan) says

    Philip, Scott and Jo Ann, I am so very sorry to hear of Roberta’s passing. What a wonderful lady, great neighbour and yes, a wonderful “vet”. I remember more than once running next door to have her come and check on one of our cats and she did every time without hesitating. I hope that all of your special memories bring you some comfort at this time.

  20. REPLY
    Patricia and Graham Stanley says

    Philip and family, sending our deepest condolences on the passing of Roberta. Mom, (Myra Goodyear) also sends her condolences .

  21. REPLY
    Ed LeGrow says

    Philip, Scott, Joann and families.

    I’m very sorry to hear of Roberta’s passing. She was a very kind and caring woman. I’m very sure that everyone whom had the pleasure of meeting her would say the same.

    RIP Roberta.

    Ed & Debbie LeGrow

  22. REPLY
    Bob Byrnes says

    So sorry to hear this sad news. Roberta will certainly be missed. Our sincerest condolences Phillip, Scott and JoAnn and family. Bob and Heather Byrnes

  23. REPLY
    IVAR AND ROWENA BALSOM says

    Philip, Scott, Joanne and families. please accept our condolences on the passing of such a wonderful lady. Her smile was the first thing you would see upon meeting her. She will never be forgotten..

    Ivar and Rowena

  24. REPLY
    Chester Stone says

    Philip and family,
    Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to you. We are so very sorry and saddened to hear of Roberta’s passing. Cling to your memories and know we hold you all in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. Sincerely, Chester and Helen Stone.

  25. REPLY
    Patsy Stratton says

    Philip, Scott, JoAnn and families so very sorry to learn of Roberta’s passing. Thinking of you all at this very difficult time. Please accept our sincere condolences.
    Len & Patsy (Stratton)

  26. REPLY
    Boyd & Marilyn Jones says

    So shocked to hear of Roberta’s passing. We send our deepest Sympathy to Phillip, Scott and Joanne. and all the extended family. May God Bless you all. She was one of my High School classmates. She sure was an enjoyable person. RIP Roberta.

  27. REPLY
    Peggy Goldsworthy says

    Philip and family,
    So very sad to hear of Roberta’s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences.

  28. REPLY
    Tina Randell Bowring says

    Philip, Scott, Joanne and family. I was fortunate to know Roberta. One of the kindest souls I ever knew. May you find comfort in your memories in the knowledge that She is at peace.

  29. REPLY
    Doris Taverner says

    Philip and family, so sorry to hear of Roberta’s passing. Keep all your memories close to your heart. May she rest in peace.

  30. REPLY
    Darren & Darleen Greening says

    Philip, Scott, Joann and family, our deepest sympathy for you loss. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
    Darren & Darleen Greening

  31. REPLY
    Alwin Rideout, Rideout’s Waterduck, Robert’s Arm says

    Phillip, Scott, Joann and family,
    I am deeply saddened to hear of Roberta’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  32. REPLY
    Jeff Bursey says

    Deepest condolences to all of the family. She was a great lady and will be remembered fondly. Take care

  33. REPLY
    Ron and Janice Walsh says

    Scott, entire Mercer family, staff and friends
    We are very sorry to hear of Mrs Mercer’s passing. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.

  34. REPLY
    Carl Bishop says

    Philip, Scott and Joann, our sincere condolences are with you and all your family at this time.
    Carl and Kristine Bishop.

  35. REPLY
    Stephen drodge says

    To the mercer family. My deepest condolences at this very very difficult time. RIP Roberta 🙏

  36. REPLY
    Dianne and Wayne Duffett says

    So very sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful lady indeed.

  37. REPLY
    Ewart & Dianne Locke. says

    To Phillip & Family,
    So sorry to hear of Roberta’s passing. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you all at this difficult time. May she Rest in Peace and Perpetual Light.
    Sincerely,
    Ewart & Dianne Locke (St. John’s).

  38. REPLY
    Geraldine Pomroy says

    Sincere condolences to the Mercer family. May all your happy memories help you in the sad days ahead. Geraldine and Austin Pomroy

  39. REPLY
    D. Bowen says

    Condolences to the family on the loss of your loved one. For a short time many yrs ago I worked with Roberta in Come By Chance hospital. I remember her as a bubbly, positive person, but also very caring and dedicated in her nursing profession. May you feel blessed by your memories of her.

  40. REPLY
    Brenda and Darrell stringer says

    Heartfelt condolences to phyllip and the mercers family at this sad time , God took another angel home .Rest in peace my precious friend 😇

  41. REPLY
    valerie holloway says

    living next door to mercers store all my life i feel like i grew up with the mercer family. my late husband had the opportunity to work for mercer’s and was a very enjoyable experience, i am so sorry Philip and family for your lost. Roberta was a beautiful lady inside and out. very caring and always their to help people and animals. clarenville and area will miss her very much. hugs to you all

  42. REPLY
    Jim & Michelle Hughes says

    Philip and family, so very sorry to learn of Roberta’s passing. Our deepest condolences to you all.

  43. REPLY
    Judith Malvern (O’Gay) says

    My deepest condolences to Mr. Mercer, Scott, Jo Ann and family. It was wonderful having you as our neighbours and there are so many fond memories of Mrs. Mercer nursing us and our pets. Her caring, kindness and smile will always be remembered. She was a beautiful lady. I hope your wonderful memories bring you comfort at this sad time. Rest in peace Mrs. Mercer

  44. REPLY
    Marlene&Owen Blundon says

    Phillip,Scott , Joann and family. So sad to hear of Roberta’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you

    • REPLY
      Grace & Harold Noel says

      Philip & Family ~ So sorry to hear about Roberta’s passing. She was always so welcoming & her smile was contagious. Our sincerest condolences to all; cherish the wonderful memories. Hugs ~ Grace & Harold Noel 🌹

  45. REPLY
    Rod Nicholl says

    To Phillip and the Mercer family Rod and I send our sincere condolences during this difficult and sad time. Hold on to your precious memories. Joan

  46. REPLY
    Jim and Ruth Hart says

    We are so sad to hear of Roberta’s passing. I have nothing but the fondest memories Roberta and her strong presence. Phil I can t imaging the depth of your grief . … Our thoughts are with you and your family Scott an Joann in this very difficult time.

  47. REPLY
    Walter & June Butler says

    Philip & the Mercer Family,
    Our sincere condolences on the death of your beloved wife, mother and Grandmother, Roberta. Be assured of our kind thoughts and prayers and May your treasured memories bring you a source of comfort and peace in the days ahead. May she Rest in Peace.

  48. REPLY
    Barbara Barbour says

    To the Mercer Family,
    Sending my deepest condolences to all the family on the passing of Roberta..I remember the family and the store during the years our family spent in Clarenville.
    So sorry for your loss..

    • REPLY
      Dave and Vi Parsons says

      Phillip,Scott,Joanne andFamilies our sincere condolences on the passing of your loved one. Roberta will never be forgotten. Our kind thoughts and memories of Roberta we hold dear in our hearts. Your memories of of her can’t be taken or erased, such a beautiful person will never be forgotten. God Bless you all and may she Rest In Peace

  49. REPLY
    Jennifer Godfrey says

    Philip,
    Roberta was a wonderful friend to Yvonne. My sincere condolences to you and your family.

  50. REPLY
    Robert and Fannie Oldford says

    Philipp, Scott, JoAnn and families
    We are so very sorry to hear of your great loss,. May the cherished memories of the past bring you peace and comfort . Please be assured that you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Sincere
    condolences.

  51. REPLY
    Natalie and Dan Moody says

    Mr. Mercer, Scott, JoAnn and families. Mrs. Mercer was a beautiful person. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.

  52. REPLY
    Sandra and Roy Fisher says

    Phillip, Scott, Jo Ann and families, we were saddened to hear of Roberta’s passing. Sincere condolences to all of you at this difficult. Roberta, was such a kind and caring person, always with a beautiful smile. She will certainly be missed. Love to all of you.

  53. REPLY
    Don and Pauline Spurrell says

    Philip, Scott and JoAnn, our thoughts and our deepest sympathies are with you and your family today in this time of great sorrow. We hope that your love and memories of this wonderful lady hold you steadfast through the rough days ahead and, when that is not enough, remember that your friends are here to hold you up when you cannot stand on your own.

  54. REPLY
    June Mills says

    So sorry for your loss. Roberta was a beautiful person with a wonderful heart. She touched so many people. She will be missed.. My condolences to all the family.

  55. REPLY
    Peggy Pye says

    Phillip and family,
    I wish to send my deepest condolences and sympathy.. . Roberta was such a beautiful and caring person. . May all that you shared as a family bring you peace in your time of sadness.
    Peggy

  56. REPLY
    Bob Baker says

    Philip and family
    So sorry to hear about the passing of Roberta. We want to pass on our condolences to you and let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Bob and Gertie Baker

  57. REPLY
    Ross & Sandra Wiseman says

    Philip and Family, Our sincere condolences on Roberta’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We trust you will take some comfort in reflecting on the many great memories created in your time together. She was a wonderful lady who will be greatly missed.

  58. REPLY
    Lorna Brown says

    Phillip, Scott,Joann and families, We were saddened to hear of Roberta’s passing. I will always remember a very kind lady with the world’s biggest smile. Cherish your memories. RIP Roberta
    Sincere condolences to you all.
    From Lorna and Boyd Brown

    • REPLY
      Dianne and Fred Bursey says

      Phillip, Scott, JoAnn and Family,
      We were saddened to hear of Roberta,.’s passing. She always had a wonderful smile. May your fond memories be a comfort to you during this difficult time and in the coming days. We are thinking of you and sending our sincere condolences.
      Fred and Dianne

  59. REPLY
    Len Singleton and family. says

    Philip and family. Please accept my most sincere and heartfelt condolences on you loss. Roberta was a wonderful lady, one of a kind really. She will certainly be missed.

  60. REPLY
    Ray Tuck says

    To Philip and the Family.
    Jean &I are so sorry to hear of Roberta’s passing. Our memories of the families go back to when you were both high school students. We have not been able to meet as much we would have liked but we have closely followed your family successes. Please cherish and share your fond memories as you move through this difficult period on the road of life. Our deepest sympathies.
    Ray & Jean Tuck.

  61. REPLY
    Annie (Webber) Harris says

    Please accept sincere condolences on your loss. Your memories will carry you through at this time and in the future.

  62. REPLY
    Margie & Bond says

    Philip,Scott,Joanne & family.Bond & I are very sorry for your loss.Roberta was beautiful inside & out.Her Love for her family & all the precious memories will keep her in your hearts forever..RIP Roberta

  63. REPLY
    Madonna & Gary says

    So sorry to hear of Roberta’s passing, she was a wonderful person. Hopefully her and Lois are up there laughing and reminiscing about old times. Sincere condolences to her family.

  64. REPLY
    Lyse Desforges says

    To Philip and family, please accept our most sincere sympathy on the passing of Roberta.

    Robert Janes & Lyse Desforges

  65. REPLY
    Ern and Kay Warren says

    Philip and Family. No words can completely console you for the loss you have suffered. I read this poem by Pam Brown, an Australian poet, some years ago. I thought it fitting to remember Roberta by:
    “Between the house and the store
    are little pockets of happiness.
    A bird, a garden, a child’s smile,
    a cat in the sunshine needing a stroke.
    Recognize them or ignore them.
    It is always up to you.”
    Such is Roberta. May your memories of her live on forever, and her life be a source of inspiration to us all.
    Ern and Kay Warren

  66. REPLY
    Kim and Craig says

    Philip, Scott, JoAnn and families
    Please accept our deepest and most heartfelt condolences for the loss of your wife, mom and grandmother.
    Kim Coish and Craig Pelley

  67. REPLY
    Iris Partridge says

    To the Mercer Family, My connection with Roberta goes along way back. My parents were Isabel and Frank Woolfrey of Lewisporte and friends with Roberta’s parents. In recent years. In recent years, I would often meet her at the store and have a visit as I travelled across the island. It was with sadness I read of her passing. I remember as a teenager travelling with my parents, to Clarenville and reading the sign at Holiday Inn “Congratulations to Philip and Roberta on their marriage!!” Roberta has certainly left a void in many lives especially to her family and friends. May your cherished memories bring you comfort.

  68. REPLY
    Sheena Binns says

    Philip, So saddened to hear that Roberta has passed on. Long ago we both worked together at Come by Chance, and I had several chats with her at ‘Mercer’s’, always a place to visit, when home. You had a wonderful
    marriage and business partnership, hope all the cherished memories will help console you.

  69. REPLY
    Gina Holloway says

    Phillip and family………we are so sorry to hear this very sad news. Roberta had this beautiful smile that lit up the room when she entered. Every time, I returned home and saw her she and you, Phillip gave me the biggest hugs that lasted to the next time I saw you guys. I will miss her beautiful smile this year! Rest in Peace, our beautiful cousin and sending a huge hug to you Phillip, Scott, and Joanne.

    Gina And Gerry

  70. REPLY
    Brian O’Gay says

    To Mr. Mercer, Scott, JoAnn and families .My heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your wife and mother. Mr and Mrs Mercer were always so warm, kind, and caring to all of us kids growing up on Random Crescent. They certainly inspired us to grow up to try to be the same and to pay it forward. Grateful for the fond childhood memories in big part thanks to Mrs Mercer! Wishing you comfort and condolences

    Brian O’Gay and family

  71. REPLY
    Melvin Pothier says

    Philip and family. Our heartfelt condolences, sorry for your loss.
    Annette and Melvin Pothier

Leave a Condolence