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.

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21 Comments

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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!

  7. 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!

  8. 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

  9. 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

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