Lydia E. Heredia-Mercado

UTICA - Lydia E. Heredia-Mercado, age 68, went home to the Lord after a courageous battle on Sunday, October 6, 2019 at The Pines at Utica with her loving family by her side. Born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico on January 14, 1951, Lydia was the daughter of the late Baldomero and Carmen (Mercado) Heredia. The youngest of 17 children, she honored and loved her mom, and they shared a close mother/daughter bond. At the age of 17, Lydia immigrated to Utica. At one time she was married to Carmelo Santiago, and their union was blessed with 5 children; they remained in each other’s hearts until her last day. During more recent years, she shared in a relationship with Miguel Delgado. A determined and compassionate woman, Lydia educated herself to speak and write English, and she worked at the Salvation Army. She was ‘Mami’ to her neighborhood friends who were fond of her motherly nature and her selflessness in caring for others. Her home was always open, and so was her heart. She was also the prankster of the group and shared many treasured stories. Friends and family could always count on her for a laugh. Her leisure interests included playing Bingo, dominoes, and cards. She loved to cook her Puerto Rican cuisine and celebrated holidays enthusiastically with her loved ones. Her salsa and merengue music made her come alive. Lydia is survived by her children and their loves, Marisol Duff, Mildred and Rafael Davila, Miguel and Kim Santiago, daughter-in-law, Noemi Santiago, and former son-in-law, Thomas Duff. She held in her heart the memory of her son, Angel Santiago who preceded her on August 21, 2019 and her daughter, Fidencia “Susie” Santiago who passed away on March 6, 2014. She also leaves her grandchildren, Vanessa and Miguel Robles, Joshua A. Maldonado and Adela Mehanovic, Jose C. Maldonado; Rafael Davila III, Emily M. Davila, Nicholas O. Davila, Joel R. Davila; Miguel A. Santiago, Alexander Santiago, Stephanie Welch, Ivette L. Santiago; Angel M. Santiago, Kimberly Santiago, Jaylene Santiago, Elijah Santiago, Arianna Diaz, Noangelis Santiago; Jonathan M. Santiago, and Isaiah Martinez; great-grandchildren, Jadiel, Aiden, Irisali, Bryan, Alani, Alijah, Mason; Jayce and Jailenes Santiago; Isabella Santiago; her sisters, Helena Heredia, and Maria Santiago; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; sister-in-law, Elsa Santiago; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Hector and Nancy Santiago; and her dear friends, Albina Ramos, Zoraida Rivera, and Frankito “Frank” Calabrese. She was predeceased by her numerous siblings; Heremengildo (Piro) Martinez who she shared 16 years of her life with; and many in-laws. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 11-1 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Lydia’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Sunday at 1:00 immediately upon conclusion of visitation. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Lydia E. Heredia-Mercado

January 14, 1951 - October 6, 2019