Joyce Mersereau, 82
Published: Saturday, April 21, 2012, 6:28 AM Updated: Saturday, April 21, 2012, 6:30 AM
By Staten Island Advance

Family Photo
Joyce Mersereau, 2000
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Native Staten Islander Joyce C. Mersereau, 82, of Crossville, Tenn., the loving matriarch of three generations, died Thursday in Cumberland County Medical Center, Crossville.

The former Joyce C. Henning was born and raised in Todt Hill. She moved to Edison, N.J., after she and Russell A. Mersereau wed in 1953.

After raising her six children, Mrs. Mersereau went to work in the deli department of a Shoprite supermarket in Edison. She became a beloved figure in the store, known simply as "the deli lady." She retired in 1999, after 20 years.

She relocated to California in 2001 and settled in Crossville three years later.

Mrs. Mersereau liked to read novels and enjoyed family time.

"She loved her kids and her grandkids. She was a wonderful wife and mother, and everyone loved her," said her son, Jim.

Russell, Mrs. Mersereau's husband of 48 years, died in 2002. She also was preceded in death by her grandson, Michael.

Along with her son, Jim, surviving are her sons, Bob, Kevin and Dennis; her daughters Ann Marie Hafsli and Helen Egan; a sister, Pat Carrol; 19 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

The funeral was to be today, with a mass in St. Francis of Assisi R.C. Church, Fairfield Glade, Tenn. A graveside service will be held April 28 at noon in Greenwood Memorial Park, San Diego, Calif. Arrangements are being handled by the Crossville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory.