Mercedes “Chet” Saur, a resident of Darien for 50 years, passed away on 7/2/26 just shy of her 81st birthday.
Chet grew up in Garden City, Long Island, and shortly after graduating from the College of St. Elizabeth with a degree in biology (with honors), married her husband of 59 years, Johnny .They moved to Darien on Valentine’s Day 1976, where they raised their three kids.
Chet will be remembered by most who knew her as an incredible artist. She attended the Art Students League in New York City and has been a mainstay in the local art community for over four decades .You can view her artwork at chetsaur.com.
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But that was not her most meaningful legacy. Few people know of her impact as a true "soldier of Christ". If they were still alive, a number of local elderly women would tell you of how Chet helped them on a weekly basis: taking them to doctor's appointments, shopping for them and helping with errands, talking, laughing and praying with them. One after another before they passed away, she was there for them, whether or not they had family support. Ruth, Francie, Grace, Mary, Shirley, Katherine, Evelyn, and Felice are just a few of their names .Chet never desired public recognition for this, but we feel this is an important part of her legacy.
Faith was everything to Chet. She prayed the rosary several times a day and read scripture at intervals daily. She would research Christian Doctrine and engage in online debate. She also taught CCD at St. Thomas More Parish and RCIA at St. Mary's Parish in Stamford for many years.
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Chet was an active member of St. Mary's Church in Norwalk, where she loved attending the high Latin Mass . She participated in adoration both there and at St. John Fisher Seminary, attended weekly bible study sessions, and was a generous donor to the church.
As an artist, she would agonize over her paintings for each client rather than simply cranking out canvases – a true perfectionist. For over 20 years, she was a tireless, active member of the Darien RTM, fighting for what she felt was best for town residents. She was also a devoted wife, loving mother to her children, and doting “Grammy” to her six grandchildren.
Chet wasn't just my wife... she was my life.
A Mass will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026 at 10 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 669 West Ave, Norwalk . Following Mass, Chet will be laid to rest at Spring Grove Cemetery in Darien .All are welcome.
