Anna Jane Mercer, retired teacher
Anna Jane Mercer, 102, passed away peacefully at her residence in Jenner’s Pond, West Grove, Pa., Sept. 5, 2023. She was born Nov. 30, 1920, in Aliquippa, Pa., and raised in Ridley Park, Pa., daughter of Mary Olwen and David H. Bining.
A graduate of West Chester State Teachers College (now West Chester University), Anna Jane taught in Seaford and Newark before moving to Lewes. In 1960, the Mercer family moved to Lewes when Frank was appointed superintendent of Lewes School District. Anna Jane taught kindergarten for 28 years in Lewes. Always the educator, Anna Jane had a strong love of reading and was a volunteer for 45 years at Lewes Public Library, including chairing the book selection committee, heading the fundraising committee to build a new library, and serving as a member of the Board of Trustees. She moved to Jenner’s Pond in 2009.
In addition to reading, Anna Jane had a passion for playing bridge, attending theater, and traveling. She even traveled to England at the age of 97 to visit cousins. Anna Jane was strong, resilient, and a wonderful role model for her great-granddaughters. She will be dearly missed.
Anna Jane was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Frank Robert Mercer; and her son, David R. Mercer. She is survived by her daughter, Lynn Dealy (Ed); two grandchildren, E.J. Dealy (Heather) and Christine Haynes (Justin); and four great-granddaughters, Ellie Dealy, Paige Dealy, Abby Haynes and Mallory Haynes. She also was predeceased by her dear companion, Dr. James Snow Jr., whom she met at Jenner’s Pond.
Services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes, DE 19958.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
Visit Anna Jane's Life Memorial webpage and sign her virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
