Kyle McDowell's Obituary
Tracey “Kyle” McDowell Mercer, 64, passed away on Friday, November 16, 2018.
Kyle was born on March 5, 1954, to parents Judy Beatrice (Hamby) and Frederick Raymond McDowell. She attended Tacoma Public Schools and graduated from Tacoma Community College in 2002 with an Associate in Applied Science degree. She earned her Registered Respiratory Therapy credential and practiced locally for ten years.
Earlier in her career Kyle worked for 18 years in grocery stores as a checker and buyer, among other roles. She later worked briefly as a machinist at Boeing. Her first jobs were as an usher at the Roxy Theatre (now the Pantages) in Tacoma and as a clerical specialist at University of Puget Sound and Tacoma Community College.
On October 20, 2012, she married the love of her life Mark S. Mercer and her happiest years were spent with him. Together they travelled the Northwest, visiting sites that for Kyle were first-time adventures. Their favorite excursions included Snoqualmie Falls and Leavenworth, which they visited many times.
Everyone remembers Kyle’s smile and her love of dogs—she always had a dog biscuit in her pocket as she walked her neighborhood greeting her favorite canine buddies. She was a beloved and engaged aunt who joined the family for every event and loved her niece and nephew as her own.
Kyle is survived by her husband, Mark S. Mercer, her sister Kimberley M. McDowell, nephew Harlan E. Smith, niece Arlene M. Smith, and brother Gordon B. F. McDowell. She was preceded in death by husband Roger Finn and brother Scott McDowell.
A private family burial will take place at Mountain View Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers or gifts, any memorials should be given to Tacoma Humane Society or a favorite animal charity.
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