Mercedes Rodriguez Cortez

UTICA - Mercedes Rodriguez Cortez, age 74, went home to the Lord as she passed away on Friday, November 24, 2017 at The Pines at Utica with her loving family by her side. Born in Aguada, Puerto Rico on September 26, 1943, Mercedes was the daughter of the late Jose Rodriguez and Juana Cortez. She was raised and educated in Puerto Rico where she spent the majority of her life. She relocated to Brooklyn, NY and for the past 22 years she has called Utica home. Mercedes was a stay at home mom and was also a proud single mother who felt so very blessed to have 13 children, 11 of whom are living. She was loving, nurturing, and honored to be Abuela and be so much a part of her children’s lives. They felt blessed that a woman of such strong character graced their lives, and they loved her dearly. She made her home special and inviting, and all were welcome. Mercedes loved to celebrate the holidays and she prepared special dishes to the liking of each of her family members. She prepared an abundance of food and no one went home hungry. She was a wonderful cook and her ‘Arroz con gandules’, was the best! Mercedes rarely spoke, but when she did, her words were wise and she hoped you would understand her thoughts. She also ended every conversation with “I love you”. She knew the needs of each of her children and conveyed her love to each one individually to accommodate their personalities. Mercedes was meticulous in maintaining her home and cooking was her passion. She enjoyed playing dominoes and spending time with her family, especially at her home. In more recent years, she was fond of games of chance at the casino. Mercedes was a true believer and shared a spiritual relationship with her God. She attended Templo Cristiano Gloria Celestial Church. Mercedes is survived by her children and their loves, Ana Estela, Luis Estela, Minerva and Juan Carlos Castillos, Evelyn Polanco, Danny Polanco and Maureen Oriol, Justina Polanco and Victor Martinez, Jose D. Polanco and Ivelisse Martinez, Ivan J. Rodriguez Sr. and Sarah Franco, Juan and Maria Rodriguez Sr., Iris “Daisy” Echevarria, and Carlos A. Rodriguez Sr. and Amber Hensel. She was preceded by 2 infant children. She also leaves her grandchildren, Sarai, Jonathan and Emily; Jeneida and Marcus, Marleen and Adriana; Samantha, Yenesis, Karina, Johnathan E., Josue, Christian, Jonaeilyn, and Jonsueriel; Angel L., Danny G., Anthony, Melanie; Joseph, Jose, Jo-Celine, Jesus; Gabriel, Angel P., Kenneth, Denielis, Denielivet, and Iveliesse; Ivan Jr., Samantha T., Luis, Jashime, Ivanalisse, Ivana, Ivan S., Jesus J., Jacob, Isabella, and Navian; Jesrubie, Jalie, Ne’Leisa, Nayeli, Juan G. Jr. and Jandel; Mercedes A., Darius, Angeleen, Miguel, and Natalia; ReAnnyn, Zayauna, BreAnna, Carlos Jr., and twins Faith and Hope; and her great-grandchildren, Vanessa, Joancarlos, Aramelise, Jonathan Jr., Yameli, Alondra, Jeremyah, Jazlyn, Aryanna, Jamari, Amaris, Angel Jr., Danny Jr., Danziel, Joseph Jr.; Yolani, Izabella H., Prynce, and Samaiya. She will also be remembered by her sisters and brothers including Melita, Antonia, Anibal, and her friends whose love she considered to be a true blessing, Maria R., Alicia, Irma, Carmen, Maria A., Aida, Romona, Yanmarie, Lydia, Tatianna, Angelica, Maria L.,Cheika, Jessica, Amela, Jackie, Pastor Raul Santos, and Sandra. She was predeceased by her siblings, Cosme, Almeno, Lilo, Tata, Tita, Nacha, Leo, Gingo, and Milly; and her friends, Elio, Rosa, and Paula. A great number of Niece's, Nephew's, Great Niece's, Great Nephews and many more family friends. A huge family, sorry we could not name everyone, but know you were always a huge part of her life. The family extends their gratitude to Dr. Yannick Grenier who was an outstanding physician and a compassionate woman; Dr. Atul Butala who was amazing and encouraging; the sensitive personnel of the Regional Cancer Center; her encouraging primary care physician, Dr. Roger Breslow, who spoke to her in Spanish; the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center/6th Floor staff for their heartfelt care and vigilance; and the personnel at The Pines who offered care to Mercedes and kindness to her family. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Mercedes’ funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday morning at 10:30 at the Templo Cristiano Gloria Celestial Church, 800 John Street, Utica, and will be officiated by Pastor Raul Santos. Interment will follow graveside in Forest Hill Cemetery.

Mercedes Rodriguez Cortez

September 26, 1943 - November 24, 2017