Joanne Mersereau

Joanne Shoptaugh Mersereau, a loving wife and mother of four, died on August 26th in Marietta. She was 91 years old, having spent 65 of her years with the love of her life, Holland “Dutch” Mersereau who passed in 2010. They graduated from Sarasota High School in Florida during World War II; while he was in flight training with the Navy, she earned her private pilot’s license. After the war they began a family in Miami, then found themselves moving to Maine, Alaska, New York, Indiana and Georgia as work dictated. As Dutch’s career took off Joanne devoted herself to raising their children, instilling in them a love of nature and adventure, whether gold-panning in Alaska or camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains. While living in Alaska, she spent nine months creating new recipes to serve the 1,200 pound moose Dutch killed. She prioritized education, leading all four of her children to earn advanced college degrees in the professions, including law, accounting, education and archaeology. While living in Indiana, Joanne and Dutch achieved their dream of owning a private aircraft, and flew their Cessna 172 around the country. Having lived all over the U.S., Joanne and Dutch decided to retire to Kennesaw due to its rich culture and their circle of lifelong friends. They built a home at the foot of Kennesaw Mountain and immersed themselves in Civil War history, working with local museums and historical societies. Joanne was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church. Joanne is survived by her four children: Jyselle Sancho of Columbia, SC; Stephen Mersereau of Stamford, CT; David Mersereau of Anchorage, AK and Rebecca Mersereau of Marietta, GA. She was blessed with nine grandchildren including Steven Sancho and Andrea Sancho-Baker of Columbia, SC; Gage Mersereau of New York City; Catherine Mersereau of L.A.; Anson Mersereau of Singapore; Lena and Cole Mersereau of Stamford, CT; and Austen and Iden Holland Mersereau of Anchorage, AK. She delighted in the attention of her great-grandchildren Sarah and Isabela Baker of Columbia, SC. A Remembrance and Visitation will be held at Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home on Saturday, September 1st from 3:00-5:00pm.

Joanne Mersereau

November 15, 1926 - August 26, 2018