Berkshire Senior Online

By Angela Fields, Volunteer Services Supervisor

Myrtle Mercier is a volunteer for Elder Services Meals on Wheels (MOW)at the Stockbridge Grange almost since it started there nine years ago.

"I didn’t come the first day, but I’ve been here ever since." Indeed she has. According to Mary Martin, the MOW Meal Site Coordinator, Mercier has rarely, if ever, missed a day working at the program.

Mercier is one of four local volunteers who work at the Stockbridge Grange, where MOW are packed Monday through Friday.

At 95, Mercier is still active, sharp and healthy. She lives up the street from the Grange and although Mary Martin sends a car for her every morning, Mercier insists that she could walk to work if a car wasn’t an option. " Oh, I could make it easily," she said with a laugh. " I’d have to take my time, but I’d get there."

Mercier was born in Pittsfield, but she and her family have lived in Stockbridge for 52 years. When her husband died several years ago, she realized that she "just didn’t have anything to do." Mercier had been a food service worker for many years at Berkshire Hills Regional School District, so when she heard about the MOW packing site, she volunteered to help.

She said she enjoys the camaraderie and helping. "It gives you a good feeling knowing that you are helping out in such a worthwhile program."

Mercier isn’t sure what the secret of her longevity is. She never smoked or drank, including water. She has a coffee in the morning, a glass of milk with lunch and tea or coffee with dinner.

"I don’t know if that helps or not."