Our precious Mother and Nana, Virginia Mercado, age 93, entered into her Garden of Heaven on June 4, 2022. She was the oldest daughter of three children, born on June 18, 1928 to Esmerenciana (Felix) and Andres Fernandez. She met the love of her life, David Sanchez Mercado, while working at a Woolworth store in Nogales, Arizona. Their first date was a movie and a hamburger meal after, where David told her he was going to marry her. They were married 1 1/2 years later, on Aug. 23, 1950. David completed his education and they established a chiropractor business in Globe, Arizona.
They had five children. After David passed away in 1973, Virginia finished her education and earned her G.E.D. She was employed at Circle K in Miami, Arizona, where she met new friends, for many years.
After retirement she traveled a little and then stayed home enjoying time with her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her hobbies included crocheting, coloring, puzzles, reading, gardening and going to the casino. She loved to dance, and her favorite music was of course listening to Mariachi songs. Some of her favorite celebrities were Selena, Elvis and Carol Burnett. She enjoyed watching the Spanish channel and reading her Novela magazines. She enjoyed going out to eat with her family. For breakfast every morning she enjoyed her hot coffee, chorizo, eggs, beans, tortillas and sweet bread. She loved to cook, and made the best tamales and menudo. She made delicious red chili nopales from the cactus in her back yard. She enjoyed sitting out in the sun. Virginia had many long-lasting friendships. She enjoyed visiting and sharing stories with all of us and had a wonderful sense of humor. She will always be in our hearts.
Virginia was preceded in death by her husband David, her parents Chana and Andres, her sister Jesse and brother-in-law Negro Martinez, and her grandsons Daniel Mercado Jr. and Christopher Heath. She is survived by her brother Freddy (Leticia) Felix of Nogales, Arizona; daughters Annie (Dennis) Heath of Benton, Kentucky and Susie (Alfred) Nader of Globe, Arizona; sons Danny (Shae) Mercado of Oracle, Arizona, Ronnie (Pamela) Mercado of Phoenix, Arizona and Robert (Marjean) Mercado of Pima, Arizona; grandchildren Leva (Chuck), Gene (Antoinette), Jacob, David (Trudy), Catherine (Troy), David (Alysia), Jessica (Jason), Seneca (Chris), Emily and Frank (Emily); and 15 great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren and many step-grandchildren.
Assisting the family; Lamont Mortuary of Globe.
