Obituary of Martha Lynch Mercer

Martha Mercer D. Martha (Lynch) Mercer passed away December 26, 2018 at the Casa de la Luz Hospice in Tucson, Arizona from heart and respiratory failure after a brief illness. She was born on February 22, 1924 to Carl and Annabelle Lynch outside Baldwinsville, NY. Martha was married for 66 years to Clyde Wilson Mercer, who died in 2008. She was predeceased by her parents, older brother, Carl Lynch, Jr., older sister, Laura Racha, son-in-law Donald Hallchurch and daughter-in-law Jae Mercer. The eight children of Clyde and Martha include: Suzanne C. Hallchurch of Oro Valley, AZ, Clyde W. Jr. of Cortez, CO, Frederick C. (Ann) of Fletcher, NC, Joanne K. of Milwaukee, WI, Allan G. (Jeanette) of Warners, NY, Carlene M. Henry (Michael) of Oro Valley, AZ, Gary W. (Elizabeth Harriman) of Wilmington, MA and Aric B. (Anna Elkema) of Fulton, NY. Her family also includes 16 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Martha & Wilson started their married life in Baldwinsville, NY, on a section of her parents' farm. Life involved caring for her children, managing a large garden, cooking, canning, knitting, sewing, and making the best sticky buns anyone ever tasted. Thanksgiving in the early years was hosted at their home for the Mercer side of the family and Christmas was at Grandma Lynch's for the Lynch side of the family. Lots of food, fun and cousins on both sides. While raising 8 children, she learned how to use mortar and was the chief stonemason in creating the fieldstone and mortar walls of their new house on Cornwall Rd on the Seneca River. In 1963, the family moved in, and over the following years hosted many large family gatherings, including the annual Thompson Family Reunion. As hostess, Martha was renowned for her cooking, especially homemade bread, meatloaf and scalloped potatoes. In 1986 Wilson & Martha moved to Lancaster, CA, near Carlene & Michael, to enjoy better weather. They did not miss the average 120" of snow each winter they had grown up with. They enjoyed traveling in their retirement years, making many cross-country trips in their motor home to visit family. In 1994, they moved to Oro Valley, AZ, when Michael was transferred, enjoying the high desert, long walks with the dog in the washes (desert trails) and the many birds they hosted in their back yard. In her later years, she enjoyed quilting and many family visits. In total, it is estimated that she, with some assistance from Carlene and Suzanne, made over 500 quilts. They were given generously to family members and friends, and will be treasured for generations to come. Martha also discovered the delights of flavored coffee; especially Pumpkin Spice Latte. At Martha's request, there will be no funeral service. There will be a memorial in Baldwinsville next summer at Riverview Cemetery. Martha had many beloved, and pampered, pets over the years, so in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to your local Humane Society. A sincere and heartfelt thank you to the caring staff at the Casa de la Luz Hospice. Specific thanks to Sandy, Patti, and Stacey. Arrangements by Adair Funeral home, Avalon Chapel, 890 N. Northern Avenue (at Magee), Tucson, AZ.