Walking On - Marion Rose Mercier

Marion Rose Mercier

July 6, 1954 – Aug. 31, 2025

Family, friends and community gathered Sept. 23, 2025, to celebrate the life of Tribal Elder and longtime Tribal librarian Marion Rose Mercier. Her family would like to thank all those who were able to join them and express their appreciation for all the love that was shared. It was a beautiful celebration.

Marion passed away in her home on Aug. 31. She was surrounded in love.

Marion was born July 6, 1954, in McMinnville to Rose Reznicsek and Marion Mercier. She grew up in Grand Ronde and always considered it home. Her gathering was held at the Tribal Elders Activity Center. Family and friends filled the building, which was no surprise as Marion was loved by so many and will be dearly missed.

Marion dedicated 29 years of service working for the Tribe until retiring in 2019. During her role as Education Department manager, she helped plan the current library’s construction before moving into the role of librarian in 2006, a position dear to her heart.

Marion’s loved ones include children, Candi and Anthony Henry; grandkids, Josh Henry and Ava Fagundes; son in-law, Vince Fagundes; daughter in-law, Michelle Henry, brothers, David Mercier, Bruce Mercier and brother in-law Daryl Wright; and sisters, Joann Mercier, Chris Payne, Terr Wright, Joan Payne and Kim Payne. She also had many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews, along with many cousins. Marion loved and cherished her family above all else.

Marion was preceded in death by her mom, Rose Birt; dads, Roger Birt and Argie Payne; her father, Marion Mercier; her children’s father, Pat Henry and many other dear loved ones.

A letter of thanks from Marion’s kids and grandkids:

We would like to thank Kristy and her staff at the EAC for sharing your beautiful facility with us to honor our mom/gram. The meal was wonderful and we appreciate all the hard work and love that went into helping us make the day special and it was.

We want to thank Mike Colton for sharing our mom’s story with everyone for us. You presented in a way that was so heartfelt and would have made our mom proud.

We would also like to thank our Tribal family and friends that drummed. It was a beautiful song that was felt by everyone.

To all of mom’s loved ones, family and friends who attended, please know that all of the hugs, stories, love, tears and laughs are what got us through and what made the day so special. We thank you. Mom loved a good gathering and this one we know in our hearts she would have approved of.

Our love to you all,

Candi, Anthony, Josh and Ava