Matthew Mercier

Matthew Mercier, 62, of Lansing, Illinois passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Matt was born on July 28, 1961, in Chicago, Illinois, to his parents Ray and Dolores Mercier. Matt spent his life in the South Suburbs of Chicago. His early life was spent in Roseland; at the age of 4, his family moved to Riverdale.

Matt attended several schools during his early education years due to his specialized needs and the emergence of rights for the disabled and special education laws. He attended New Hope School in Dolton, Illinois, Oak Glenn School in Lansing, Illinois, and Patton School in Riverdale, Illinois. Matt ultimately attended ECHO (Exceptional Children Have Opportunities) School in South Holland, Illinois. Matt remained at ECHO School until the age of 21 when he achieved a Certificate of Completion in 1982. Following his completion at ECHO, Matt went on to LARC for “After 21 services for the developmentally disabled,” which included working in the Sheltered Workshop and learning functional adult skills.

Matt was very active in religious education from an early age. He participated in SPRED (Special Religious Education Division) at Mendel in his early years. He made his first Communion and was Confirmed by Cardinal Cody in 1968. He continued to be involved with the SPRED adult program for many years until it was disbanded several years ago. Matt enjoyed learning about scripture and loved singing religious songs.

Matt remained living at his home in Riverdale until the Fall of 1991. At the age of 30, he moved into a LARC CILA (Community Integrated Living Arrangement) in Lansing, Illinois. Matt lived in only two CILA homes during his 30+ year residence at LARC until his death. Matt loved living at the LARC CILA. He enjoyed learning, working, making friends, and being a part of all the opportunities that LARC provided him.

Matt enjoyed and participated in many activities throughout his life. Early on, Matt participated in Special Olympics Track and Field events at Soldier Field in the 70-80’s. As an adult, Matt joined the Special Olympic Swim Team for LARC. During his years competing in Special Olympics, Matt earned numerous medals at both the local and state level.

Above all, Matt loved interacting with people and being in the middle of all things. In the summers as a young boy, Matt went to Handy Camp, a day camp in Harvey for disabled children supported by teen volunteers, where he was exposed to a variety of stimulating summertime activities and wonderful group interactions.

Throughout his adulthood, Matt was blessed to attend Sharing Meadows Camp in Rolling Prairie, Indiana. Sharing Meadows is a Christian organization that was founded and developed by Fr. Dennis Blaney, that supports and provides opportunities to ‘other abled’ adults. Matt absolutely loved his weeks and weekends at camp. He enjoyed participating in scripture lessons, crafts, swimming, campfires, dancing, and the Talent Show Finale.

Matt was an avid sports fan, especially for his favorite teams: Notre Dame, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bulls, and the Chicago Blackhawks. But more than anything, Matt loved being with his family, especially at Saugany Lake in Rolling Prairie, Indiana. He loved the beach, swimming, boating, cruising on the golf cart , and just living summer life within the Saugany Lake Community. Matt was instrumental every year in making sure all summer preparations and fall cleanup around the cottage were completed–lending a hand, but mostly, keeping us all on task. He loved and looked forward to the Annual Saugany Lake Dance each year, where a long line of dance partners was always waiting. Really, Matt loved any and all chances to dance.

Matt was preceded in death by his father, Ray Mercier, his nephew Forrest Mercier, and many aunts and uncles. Matt is survived by his mother, Dolores Mercier of Rolling Prairie, Indiana; his sisters, Michelle Fey and Maureen Mercier of St. Charles, Illinois; his brother Mark Mercier (Emily) of Kathleen GA; his two nieces, Erin Fey of Chicago, Illinois and Courtney Amerine (Tyler) of Westfield, Indiana; his nephew, Tucker Mercier of Kathleen, GA. and many cousins.

Matt will be remembered by all who know him as a kind and welcoming guy, with a warm smile, a great sense of humor, a happy disposition, and just the right amount of moxie. Matt, we love you and we will miss you!!

Visitation will be from 4-7 pm CST on Friday, April 19, 2024 and from 9-10:45 am on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, LaPorte, Indiana. In honor of Matt’s many interests ( his favorite sports teams, LARC, Special Olympics, Sharing Meadows), family and friends are encouraged to don this apparel at the visitation on Friday, April 19, 2024. Prayers and Eulogy for Matthew will begin at 6:15 pm on Friday, April 19, 2024.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at 11 am on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Holy Family Parish, St. Peter Church, 1101 Michigan Avenue, La Porte, Indiana.

Cremation will follow and private interment will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Share Foundation, P.O. Box 400, Rolling Prairie, IN 46371, or LARC, 19043 Wentworth Avenue, P.O. Box 77, Lansing, IL 60438.

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Matt’s life or leave a message of comfort for his family, please visit www.EsslingFuneralHome.com.

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