Rosemary Ann Mercer

Rosemary Ann Mercer, 76, of Downingtown, PA passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 13, 2026 surrounded by love in her home at St. Martha's Villa in Downingtown.

Born November 19, 1949 in Philadelphia, PA she was the daughter of the late Charles

Woods and the late Dorothy Jourdan Woods. One of the oldest of 8 children, Rosemary, who preferred to be known as “Ro”, was a born caregiver for many throughout her life, with her children being her proudest accomplishments.

Rosemary, grew up in West Chester and went to school at Bishop Shanahan, but later switched for her senior year and graduated from Henderson High School class of ‘67. After high school, she attended Immaculata in Malvern for nursing school to study as an LPN. Later, she drove a school bus for Krapf Buses out of Guthriesville, and ultimately retired from Pepperidge Farms in Downingtown, where she was a Line Worker for 23 years.

Rosemary was a member of St. Joseph's Parish in Downingtown, where she had occasionally volunteered as a lunch chaperone, while her children were young and attended grade school there.

Ro genuinely enjoyed making people smile and laugh by cracking jokes, singing and dancing to her favorite songs, and was known for lighting up a room when spending time with loved ones and friends. She was the life of the party, a boisterous soul, and easily made long lasting impressions on everyone she met. Ro was one of a kind, full of wit and sass, and will be missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

Rosemary is survived by her daughters, Dawn Gillespie, Cynthia Felice, Bridgette Mercer-Jamgochian, and her son, Alexander Mercer; Two sisters, Kathleen Keslick, and Dorothy Warren, as well as three brothers, Charles Woods, Michael Woods and Christopher Woods. Also, numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

Ro was preceded in death by her older brother, Johnathan Woods, her older sister Elizabeth Woods, and her ex-husband, Alfred E. Mercer Jr.

Services will be held by her children, in the upcoming Spring for friends and family. Details will be shared privately at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181; www.DellaFH.com