Mert (Theriault) Coulombe Kemzura

Mert (Theriault) Coulombe Kemzura, 83, of Plainville, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, September 4, 2025 after a courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was the beloved wife of the late George Kemzura, Jr.

Born in Frenchville, Maine on June 11, 1942, she was one of two daughters to the late Theodule “Teddy” and Elsie (Dube) Theriault.  Upon moving to Plainville in 1956, Mert was a proud member of the Plainville High School Class of 1960. A woman with a giving heart and dedication to helping others, she began her journey in service as a volunteer at Wheeler Clinic, where she would eventually meet her husband George. They blended their families together in 1978, and for the following 42 years, shared a life built on mutual respect, compassion and purpose.

Mert dedicated more than three decades to crisis intervention work at the former New Britain General Hospital, rising to the role of administrator before her retirement in 1999. Her work touched countless lives, offering strength and stability during times when it was needed most. Retirement, however, did not slow her down, as not much did. She returned to Wheeler Clinic, the place where her calling first took shape, to continue supporting others with the same empathy and conviction that defined her career.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mert was a woman of many passions. She was a devoted collector of pottery, each piece a memory from her travels and an expression of her appreciation for art and craftsmanship. Her home of 63 years was her sanctuary, where her backyard bloomed with color and life. There, among her lovingly tended flower gardens, she found joy in watching and feeding the birds, savoring the quiet beauty of nature.

Mert was the rock of her family; strong, wise, and always unapologetically herself. She spoke her mind, stood her ground, and lived life fully, fiercely, and on her own terms. She will be deeply missed and her love, strength and spirit will forever be remembered.

She is survived by her children, Ted Coulombe and his wife Sara, Danielle Blanchette and her husband Duane, and Jodi Coulombe,; her grandchildren, Alek, Zac, Isabelle and Collin Coulombe, and Mitchell and Corinne Blanchette; and her great-grandson, Theo Edward Coulombe; her brother and dear friend, Joseph “Ralph” Theriault and his wife Rosemary; her sister, Betty and her husband Leo “James” Ouellette; and many nieces and nephews.  She also leaves her beloved four legged companion, her dog Bentley.  She was predeceased by her brother Philip “Lloyd” Theriault.

Family and friends may gather in celebration of Mert’s life on Saturday October 18, 2025 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St, Plainville.   Words of remembrance will be shared at 11 a.m.  Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family.  For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com

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