Date of Death: October 31, 2019
Service Details
The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at Hohner Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Wed. Nov. 6th, 2019 at the First Presbyterian Church, 320 N. Main St, Three Rivers with visitation an hour prior to services and Rev. Kathy Schuen of the First Congregational Church of Constantine officiating.
Obituary Notice
Merry Jo Tavernier, age 59, of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 15, 1960 in Three Rivers, the daughter of the late David and Pearl (Buchner) Collins.
Merry Jo graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1979. On August 4th, 1984 she married the love of her life Kevin Tavernier. Together they raised three beautiful children which were the center of Merry Jo’s life, attending all of her children’s sporting and school activities was a passion of hers. She spent countless years volunteering for the Three Rivers Sports Boosters. Merry Jo loved camping with her husband and extended family, working in her flower garden, snow skiing with her kids, and when given time soaking up sunshine by the family pool. She also had an abundance of memories of being on recreational softball, volleyball, and bowling teams with her friends. She loved to cook and often made large meals for family and friends. Merry Jo will be missed by all those who knew and loved her infectious smile.
She was preceded in death by her parents David and Pearl Collins.
She leaves to cherish her loving memory, her husband, Kevin Tavernier; beloved children, Adam, Andy, and Amy Jo Tavernier; sister, Jerri (Mark) Foley, and their sons, Patrick and Dan; brother, Terry (Janice) Collins, and their children, Ryan, Matt, and Marisa Jo Collins; brother-in-law, Mark (Vicki) Tavernier, and their children, Katie, Max, and Lucy; sister-in-law, Robin (Tom) Smith and their sons, Paul and Ryan.
Additional Information
Memorials in Merry Jo’s memory may be directed to the First Congregational Church U.C.C. or the Three Rivers Sports Boosters. Envelopes available at the funeral home and church.
Please Leave Your Condolences
When your condolences are submitted they will not display until approved by the Hohner staff for appropriateness out of respect for their memory. They should appear within 24 hours or less. Thank you for your understanding
I’m so sorry for your families loss.
My prayers are with you.
Thinking of you all during this time. A good heart has stopped beating, a good soul ascended to heaven. We will never forget Merry Jo’s kindness and willingness to help with all sporting events the kids were in together. You could always count on Merry Jo’s cheers from the stands and the mom with the Gatorade’s. May God put her in a special place where she will be watching over all the people who loved and cherished her.
So very sorry for your loss. Merry Jo was a beautiful person inside and out and had a beautiful smile.
I am so sorry for your loss! Merry Jo and Dr. Cucci found my cancer! I will never forget her telling me her story! Same gland, different surgery! The flowers they sent me were beautiful ., just like you were Merry Jo! Will miss giving you updates! Rest In Peace.
I met Merry Jo through working with her husband Kevin. Whenever I saw her whether at the kids sporting events or just strolling the isles of Meijers she would always have that contagious smile giving you a blessed feeling of friendship. My heartfelt condolences to Kevin and the kids in their lost.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Merry Jo as the beautiful baby of the family and So full of fun and mischief. My Hart goes out to you all.
Sooo very sad… they say, only the good die young?
Mary Jo was a one of a kind, an Angle. I’ve known her since high school and reunited with her when her son and mine, were wrestling in their high school years. She never changed in those years! She was a 100% genuine person, with a infectious smile and spirit!! I feel blessed to have known her.
She was such a loving woman with a loving family❤ she will be missed by so many, My heart goes out to you Amy Jo and your family. Sending lots of love always! ❤
-Kenna
Merry Jo was the first person to greet you at the dentists office. Even if she was having a bad day you would never know it.She was a one of a kind person, smiling and always glad to see you. She enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest. Her family and friends are going to have a hard time with out her. To say this wonderful woman will be missed is an understatement.
My heart goes out to Kevin and the kids. MerryJo was a wonderful person. She will be greatly missed. Praying for strength for her family.
So very very sorry for your loss. She like my mother leaving this world at 59 is such a loss but a blessing for heaven! Please know my heart goes out to you and your loved ones and you all be held close in prayer! Blessings!
Merry Jo was a sunshine! She was a mom helper in our classroom when I had Adam and Andy. She found the good and was so encouraging! She always brought the kids a fun treat that she had created! I can still see her face the day she picked up the boys from school and told me she was pregnant! She was shocked and excited! Over the years when I’d run into her, she would beam telling me about each one of her children. Prayers for peace and continued sweet memories of one very special lady!
Merry Jo was a special person with a big heart, loved by all…truly missed. My sincerest condolences to her family.
My heart hurts for Kevin and the kids. Merry Jo was such a bright ray of sunshine. She will be greatly missed. Always in our thoughts. Deepest sympathy to the family.
I am so sorry. Merry Jo was such a radiant person, kind and caring always. Our little church will miss her so very much. She will always be part of us.
Sorry for your loss. We celebrate the life of MJ and mourn her with you in this trying time. May the peace that passes all understanding be with you and your family. Christine and Mark Taylor
Kevin and family,
So very sorry to hear about Mary Jo. Praying for you all.
Laurie (King) Benthin
So very sorry to hear this!!! I remember Merry Jo and her folks from my moms bus driving days, and she and her family have been great neighbors to my parents. My prayers are with you
I will miss your bright smile, sense of humor and positive outlook and encouragement.
I am so sorry for your loss. Adam went to school with my son and use to catch the bus occasionally when I needed to be to work early when they were little.
Merry Jo is one of a kind with a beautiful soul. She was caring and giving , and had a wicked sense of humor! I had the pleasure of working with her for 13 years, she was the glue that held our little office together. She is missed by many , but now at peace.
Jennifer Hartline