Esperanza Mercader Osorio

Esperanza Mercader Osorio, 89, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones at home in Jacksonville, Florida. Born on September 30, 1935, in Pampamga, Philippines, she lived a remarkable life defined by resilience, love, and devotion to her family.

Esperanza emigrated from the Philippines to the United States in the late 1980s, beginning her American journey in Alaska, where she lived with her second eldest daughter, Maria. She later moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where she briefly resided at Jacksonville Beach and worked as a housekeeper at the Comfort Inn. She took great pride in her work and carefully saved her earnings to continue supporting her family and children still in the Philippines.

In her prime, Esperanza loved taking long walks and going disco dancing at the beaches. Her joy for life shone through in the simple pleasures: cutting coupons, thrift shopping, watching Olympic ice skating, and spending hours playing solitaire. Music filled her days—favorites like Celine Dion, Victor Wood, and Ray Valera—and so did her favorite treats: Milo, tea, orange Fanta, pastries like Madeleines and pandesal, vanilla ice cream, and plain crackers.

Esperanza’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her children Maria Lagac, Rowena Bautista, Nolan Osorio, and Devina Alop, who carry forward her enduring love and strength. Her grandchildren were her heart; she was always ready to comfort them, feed them, and rush to their side if they ever needed her. She never failed to ask, “Did you eat?”—a simple question that held all the weight of her care.

In photos, Esperanza proudly posed with peace signs and a fist raised high—symbols of her spirited love and fierce heart. Even at the end of her life, she loved deeply and was loved just as deeply in return.

Esperanza leaves behind a legacy of unwavering devotion, joyful memories, and a family forever grateful for her sacrifices and boundless affection. Her peace signs, warm meals, music, and laughter will echo in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to be loved by her.

A visitation for Esperanza will be held Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home, 850 St Johns Bluff Road North, Jacksonville, FL 32225. A funeral service will occur Friday, July 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM at 850 St Johns Bluff Road North, Jacksonville, FL 32225, followed by a committal service in the cemetery.