Merica Ann Hale

Merica Ann Hale, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, boss, world traveler, and all-around life enthusiast, died at home on the evening of March 4, 2022, with her family by her side, following a nine-year dance with metastatic breast cancer.

Merica was born on Feb. 19, 1976, in Provo, Utah, and was immediately adored by her siblings Shauna, Jennifer, Lori, Rene ́, David, and, a year later, baby sister Meredith, with whom she shared a special bond. She was loved and cherished by both her father, John Fechser, and her stepfather, Monte Bona.

Merica loved life. She grasped and devoured every adventure, challenge, and experience the world offered. Her booming laugh, incredible hugs, and enthusiasm for fun, people, and happiness were infectious; everyone wanted to be in her aura.

Merica married the love of her life, Courtney Hale, at age 18. They spent nearly three decades together, sharing a passion for life and for each other. They had two beautiful, talented children, Griffin (22) and Ziola (18), both born in Davis, California. As a family, they experienced great adventures all around the world. Her children were the sunshine of her life. She was exceptionally proud of them. Go on flowering, flowery ones.

Merica loved all things science. She graduated from the University of Utah and worked in scientific laboratories in California and Utah. She was the dermatopathology and Mohs surgery laboratory manager at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Her work brought her fulfillment, pride, and joy. She loved her colleagues and insisted on joining Zoom meetings and taking care of scheduling and other logistics until her final days.

Merica will live on in the hearts and minds of many. In addition to her husband, children, stepfather, and siblings, she will be forever remembered by her mother-in-law, Terrie Rauzon; father-in-law, Jed Hale; brothers-and-sisters-in-law, Patrick, Jodi, Bob, John, Ray, Cole, Amy, and Johnny V.; 16 nieces and nephews, all of whom considered her their favorite aunt; and countless other family and friends. Predeceased by her father and sister, Jennifer.

Special thanks to Huntsman Cancer Institute, especially Dr. Saundra Buys, Dr. Lindsay Burt, Lisa Gauchay, and Huntsman at Home hospice for caring for and loving our Merica. It was very important to Merica that she contribute to research that may help others facing metastatic breast cancer, both during and after her lifetime. Many thanks also to Dr. Alana Welm and her team for helping Merica achieve this wish.

A private family service is taking place at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Salt Lake City. A public memorial celebration will be held Saturday, March 19, at 3 p.m. at the University of Utah Alumni House, 155 Central Campus Drive.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to breast cancer research at Huntsman Cancer Institute (www.huntsmancancer. org).

In memory of Merica, hug your loved ones, laugh often, dance, take chances, challenge yourself, and plan a great adventure. Be sure to bring back ugly souvenirs and a coffee mug.

“It’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”

–Attributed to Abraham Lincoln