Barbara Lourdes Mercier

Barbara Lourdes Mercier passed away after a prolonged illness on January 25, 2025. She was 77 years of age. Barbara is survived by her son, Andrew Decker; four grandsons: Oscar, Michael Jr., Mark, and Jacob Decker ; and three great-granddaughters: Arianna, Aleia and Sadie. She was the daughter of the late Elsie and Robert Mercier and predeceased by her son Michael Decker.

Barbara was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and lived an extended time in the Coney Island area, for which she had fond memories. She also gave birth to both of her children during her time in Brooklyn before moving to the Kensington section of Philadelphia.

Barbara was a dedicated and loving daughter, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who loved to spend time with her family. The family always gathered around her on birthdays and holidays, and she loved to go out with them to celebrate.

Barbara worked for many years as a teller at Wells Fargo and as a secretary at the Federal Reserve Bank, where she served loyally, made numerous friends and accomplished many tasks. Those of her friends who knew her best often described her as a very kind person who would give the shirt off of her back to anyone who needed it.

Barbara loved children and animals. She also loved being Catholic, learning about Christian history and the Saints, and loved donating to Christian charities. Barbara was also an avid reader (especially the Bible).

Barbara’s funeral will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Holy Innocents Church, 1337 E. Hunting Park Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19124. Her visitation will be held between 9-10 AM. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10 AM. Interment is private.

The family prefers memorial donations be made to the any of the following favored causes:

Holy Innocents Church, 1337 E. Hunting Park Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19124

St. Jude’s Research Hospital – stjude.org

Companions of St. Anthony – https://www.companionsofstanthony.org

America Needs Fatima – americaneedsfatima.org

Franciscan Mission Associates - https://franciscanmissionassoc.org