Our beloved mother and grandmother, Josefina Mercado (lovingly called 'Fina' by her late husband, Domingo) was born in New York on July 31, 1929, to the late Timothy and Clara Rios. After a brief illness, Josefina was called home to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Wednesday, August 23, 2023.

After her birth, Josefina returned to Puerto Rico and lived there until she was twenty-five years old. There she met her husband, Domingo Mercado and to that union, four children were born. In 1954, Josefina, her husband and children moved to Philadelphia. Josefina worked a seamstress before retiring in 1971. She would become a widow, fifteen years later, in 1986. She lived a total of forty years in Philadelphia, before moving to Florida in 1994.

Josefina lived the remainder of her life taking care of her family, doing whatever she could; babysitting, cooking (Oh how we loved her food), sewing, etc. She was a proud woman and it made her feel worthy to contribute her time and talents.

Josefina was preceded in death by her first-born daughter, her grandson Guillermo, Jr. (little Papo), her daughter Dominga (Minga) and grandson Raequan. She is survived by her son Guillermo, Sr. (Mellessa), daughter/faithful caregiver Maria (Terry), as well as eight grandchildren: Maria (Darryl), Keisha, Lynette (Julius), Andrea, Danielle, Marissa, Rae Shaun (Tamika) and Steven, nine great- grandchildren: Darius, Cameron, Najae, J'Mari, Wandaya, Miracle, Tahri, Malayah and Ayden, one great-great-grandchild: Co'Lani. She leaves to cherish a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

We will all miss her in our way and hold close the cherished memories we had when she was here. Rest well with our Savior, for now you are at peace.

SUBMITTED WITH LOVE, THE FAMILY