Mercy Bencomo

They were married for thirty-nine years before Richard’s passing in 1996.

Mercy was one of eight children to Maurillio and Mercedes Sanchez. She was preceded in death by her father, mother, husband and siblings. She missed all of them very much. Mercy resided most of life in Fresno and loved “her town”, as she used to say. Mercy began her career as hairstylist in her late twenties. Throughout the span of her nearly sixty-year career, Mercy had owned several beauty shops. She was a proud business woman and very dedicated to her craft until she retired at the age of eighty-seven.

Mercy also had a passion for volunteer work. Some of the clubs and organizations she belonged to were The League of Mexican/American Women, a charter member and past president of the St. Agnes Associates, life member of The Fresno County Democratic Women’s Club, member of The Young Ladies Institute, two-term president of The Infant of Prague Adoption Agency, member of The Fresno/Torreon Sister City and St. John’s Guadalupe Society. Mercy was very proud to be a member of the Catholic Church.

Mercy’s artistry didn’t stop with hairstyling. She also enjoyed watercolor and oil painting and was known for her beautiful roses on canvas, ceramics (wedding bell favors and baby shoes), dish sets and program cover for luncheons and fashion shows. She was also gifted with the crotchet neddle and made blankets for charity. As a young adult, Mercy preformed as “Rumbera” (Rumba dancer) with the Perez Prado Orchestra.

Truly, the most inspiring and selfless act in Mercy’s life was taking on the responsibility to raise her sister Esperanza’s children when she passed in 1972. Mercy and Richard, affectionately known a “Nana and Tata”, graciously accepted the parenting roll. As young children, we were treated to many fun things, such as seeing the Ice Capades, parties at Farrell’s, Pizza at Aldo’s, Chinese food at Shanghai, roller skating at the Roller Towne and fancy dinners at Cedar Lanes and The Velvet Turtle. Our most fun was getting the chance to go to Disneyland at least once a year. Those trips were special.

Mercy was very proud of her family and will be remembered for the sacrifice she and Richard made to provide a home for us. She was blessed to have the love of many friends and they admired her strength and devotion. Although, dementia began to dull her memories, she could still spend hours recalling many special times in her life. One of the last things she said was a quote from her dear friend, Frances Barigian, which was “when it’s done, it’s done!” Well Nana, I guess it is done! Rest in Peace with all our loved ones in heaven! We are truly grateful to you and Tata.

We love you and will miss you, Nana!

A visitation for Mercy will be held Tuesday, November 8, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel, 202 North Teilman, Fresno, CA 93706. A rosary service will occur Tuesday, November 8, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, 202 North Teilman, Fresno, CA 93706. A funeral Mass will occur Wednesday, November 9, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Holy Spirit Cath. Church, 355 E. Champlain Dr., Fresno, CA 93720. Burial at St. Peters Catholic Cemetery will follow the Mass, at 264 N. Blythe Ave., Fresno, CA., 93706.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stephensandbean.com for the Bencomo family.