Virginia Mercado

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 3 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 had told her he was going to marry her, which they did 1 1/2 years later, August 23, 1950. David completed his education, and they established a chiropractor business in Globe, Arizona. They had 5 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, for many years where she met new friends.

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, her grandsons Daniel Mercado Jr. and Christopher Heath. She is survived by her brother Freddy (Leticia) Felix of Nogales, Arizona. Daughter Annie (Dennis) Heath of Benton Kentucky, Son Danny (Shae) Mercado of Oracle, Arizona, Son Ronnie (Pamela) Mercado of Phoenix, Arizona, Robert (Marjean) Mercado of Pima, Arizona, Daughter Susie (Alfred) Nader of Globe, Arizona. Grandchildren Leva (Chuck), Gene (Antoinette) Jacob, David (Trudy), Catherine (Troy), David (Alysia), Jessica (Jason), Seneca (Chris), Emily, Frank (Emily). 15 Great Grandchildren, 6 Great-Great Grandchildren, and many step grandchildren.

Family suggests donations may be made to Holy Angels Catholic Church in Globe, Arizona.