Obituary of Iris Julia Mercik

Iris Julia Mercik, age 76, passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2024 after a second courageous battle with cancer.  Iris was born on April 4, 1948, in Waterloo, New York.  She was a resident of Penfield, NY, for the last 51 years.

After graduating from Waterloo High School in 1966,  Iris moved to Rochester and attended The Highland Hospital School of Nursing.  After graduating in 1969, she remained in the area and started her nursing career.  Over the years, Iris held many different nursing jobs including working at Highland Hospital, Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse, Fairport Baptist Home, and many others.

Iris was a feisty redhead who was confident, capable, determined, and courageous.  She loved to read, play tennis, go to the casinos and play slots, and most of all spend time with her children and their families.  She loved her grandchildren and enjoyed attending their soccer games and dance recitals over the years.

Iris is predeceased by husband, James Mercik Sr, her granddaughter, Rebecca Mercik, her sisters Midge Searing and Joan Stefano,  and her parents Carroll and Helen Opdyke.  She is survived by her sons, Jim (Amy) Mercik and Joe (Sarah) Mercik, and her grandchildren, Abigail, Gavin, Luke, and Harleigh.  She is also survived by her nieces and nephews and many close, life-long friends.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the Sunset House for the amazing care that they provided Iris in her final days.

Family, friends and others are invited to Jennings Nulton & Mattle Funeral Home on May 29, 2024, from 10:00 - 11:00 AM for calling hours.  A service for Iris will be held at 11:00 AM at the funeral home with burial to follow at Holy Trinity Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donating to the Make Your Own Sunshine RLM Foundation, her granddaughter’s foundation (send checks to 1117 Chenango St Binghamton, NY 13901).  The Mercik family plans to then take those donations in honor of Iris and give them to Rochester-area nursing facilities to spread sunshine in her memory.