Connie Mercer

Connie Ruth Mercer, 72, of Naselle, WA passed away on December 9, 2024 in Hillsboro, OR. She was born February 16, 1952 to Signe and Wilfred Mercer in Wichita Falls, TX. 

Her dad was stationed at the Naselle Air Force base in 1961 which is when Connie first lived in Naselle. Before finishing her schooling in Naselle her family was transferred to Iceland and then Florida where she graduated from high school in 1970.

In 1992 Connie and her mother Signe moved back to Naselle to be near her sister, Nancy. She loved Naselle and became active in the community. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and served as secretary for many years. She will be remembered for the delicious deviled eggs she prepared for the Auxiliary Smorgasbord. 

Connie married her long time partner Jaakko Varila in 2009. He passed away shortly after their marriage. Her Norwegian heritage was important to her but she also embraced the Finnish Community she moved into and became an honorary Finn which pleased her Finnish husband. 

She was a member of the Congregational Church where she frequently sang solos for special events, taught Sunday School, was church Treasurer and worked with Martha Circle and eventually was in charge of Friday Club. At the church she also filled in for the Pastor as needed. 

Connie enjoyed being around people and visiting and playing board and card games with friends. She belonged to a local Bunco group. 

Connie has been a FAFF member for years and could always be counted on to express her opinion at meetings. Most recently she had taken a board member role and way always willing to help with whatever she was able to do. 

Connie loved animals, especially Dobermans and cats. Over the years she homed many cats and dogs and in her final years Hooty and Snowball as her furry companions. 

She is survived by her sister Nancy Wirkkala and adopted girls Natisha and Karinda Cooper and various nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and brother Mickey Mercer.

Connie's outgoing and friendly spirit will be greatly missed in our community. A funeral service will be held at the Naselle Community Center on December 17, 2024 at 11am followed by interment at Peaceful Hill Cemetery.