Barbara A. Mercer

Barbara Ann (Cohee) Mercer passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026, just days before her 87th birthday. She was born in Topeka, Kansas to Vera and William Cohee and grew up as one of seven children. She was preceded in death by her siblings Bill, Betty, Lester, Larry, and Mary, and is survived by her brother Terry.

In 1958 she was introduced to Robert “Bob” Mercer through a close friend, and within months they knew they had found the love of their lives. They married later that year in Novato, California and shared nearly 50 devoted years together until Bob’s passing in 2007. Together they raised four children: Mark (Shelli), Robert Jr. (Becky), Beth, and Chris (Kristi).

Barbara created a home filled with warmth, generosity, and laughter where family was always at the center. She cherished her role as a grandmother to Jordan, Madison, Trisha, Colton, Evan, Braedon, Kadon, Joseph, and Stuart, as well as her many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who brought her immense joy. Barbara expressed her love through caring for others, handcrafting gifts, sharing her cooking, baking cakes, and creating beautiful celebrations, often bringing those she loved together around her table.

Barbara also dedicated 28 years of service to the State of Kansas Department of Revenue, where she worked as a Tax Examiner. She was deeply proud of her work and of the many friendships she formed there. Barbara became a steady presence to many coworkers, often caring for and encouraging those around her as if they were part of her extended family.

Barbara’s faith in Christ was the foundation of her life. A devoted Catholic and founding member of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, she served faithfully as a catechism teacher, sacristan, and extraordinary minister. She lived her faith through quiet acts of generosity and service, always welcoming others with kindness and creating a home where family and friends felt loved and supported.

Barbara often spoke with gratitude for the life she lived and for the family and friendships that surrounded her. She found joy in the simple moments spent together and took pride in the generations of loved ones who filled her life. She leaves behind a lasting legacy of faith, kindness, generosity, and deep devotion to family that will continue to live on in all who knew and loved her.

Visitation for Barbara will take place from 5-8:00 P.M., with a parish rosary being prayed at 6:00 P.M., on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, 2014 NW 46th St., Topeka, KS 66618.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M., Friday, March 13, at the church. Cremation will follow and Barbara will be laid to rest at Prairie Home Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church Building Fund in care of the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.

Barbara Ann (Cohee) Mercer

March 9, 1939 – March 5, 2026

A life well lived and deeply loved.