Janice Mercer OBITUARY
She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. (Proverbs 3:15)
Janice was born a navy-child, Feb 26, 1948, during Mardi Gras in New Orleans. The family eventually settled in Sunnyvale where she attended local schools, including Sunnyvale High, until moving to Santa Cruz, where she graduated from Soquel High, 1966.
Janice served her communities for many years at PG&E, routing power over the grid and putting in longer hours during storms. In 1982, when superstorms soaked the mountain communities and caused mudslides at Love Creek, she worked 36 hours straight, went home for an 8-hour sleep only to do her children's laundry first so they would be ready for school, then worked another 24 hours straight. We also will remember her for breaking PG&E's glass ceiling as the first woman with her responsibilities and, with her father's encouragement, gave talks on her experience to women's clubs.
Most of all, she loved her children and could be the loudest in the stands when cheering them on at their ballgames. Tireless in her care for them, she was an amazing person who overcame some of life's difficult challenges. She had strong and expressive political views and would never say no if you needed help. She would be the first one to be concerned and show up if something was wrong. She was pure love. In time, she focused that love on her grandchildren and then on her great grandchildren.
November 1, 2024, Janice died unexpectedly, but, sensing something was wrong, she had the presence of mind to tell her son, Nick: "Tell the others I love them." There are no better last words.
Janice was the loving daughter of Marie and John Mercer. She is survived by her children: Shannon (Mike) Galloway, Vince, Nick, Adam Correa; grandchildren: Kayla (Ryan), Kelcey (Anthony), Jakob (Lexi), Kendall, Briana, John, Ian, Joseph; great grandchildren: MacKenzie, Chloe, AJ, Alivia; lifelong best friend, Nancy Lake; and two very proud brothers, John and Fr. Dave Mercer.
Burial will be Saturday, Nov 16, 2024, at 9:30am, at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 22555 Cristo Rey Dr., Los Altos, CA 94024, followed by a Memorial Mass, at 11am, at St. Joseph of Cupertino Church, 10110 N De Anza Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014, followed by reception.
