Mercedes del Rosario Bayona

Our beloved Mercedes Bayona, a vibrant soul whose laughter, sassiness, and spirit touched all who knew her.

Born on October 2nd, 1963, Daughter of Benjamin and Mercedes Sotelo amongst 5 other siblings.

To know Mercedes was to know laughter. She was funny, fierce, and fabulously sassy. It was her way-or it was her way, to her, there was no highway. She had a performer’s heart and never shied away from the spotlight, whether she was singing, dancing, cracking a joke, or simply lighting up a room with her presence. She lived life in full color, not just in the bold clothes she wore, but in the way she made people feel.

She was never afraid to be herself, she embraced every flaw, unapologetically real, and loved deeply. Her authenticity lit up every room, and in being herself, she gave the rest of us permission to do the same. She didn’t just live, she inspired.

Mercedes married the love of her life, Raul Bayona on February 14, 1986, with whom she shared a journey full of devotion, humor, and unforgettable moments. She was a loving mother to Raul Alexander Bayona, Iris Iveth Bayona, Christopher Benjamin Bayona, and a proud stepmother to Ronald Edgardo Bayona. Her family was her pride and joy.

In her final chapter, Mercedes was faced with the most difficult battle of her life. She was diagnosed with stage 4 Cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. And yet, true to who she was, she fought back fiercely. She was heroic in every sense of the word, facing each day with grace and a strong spirit. Her courage, determination, and bravery were nothing short of inspiring. It was an honor to be in her presence to witness her strength week after week.

Mercedes leaves behind a legacy of love and unforgettable memories. Her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and everyone lucky enough to have been in her orbit.

Rest in peace. You were one of a kind, and this world is a little less bright and less colorful without you.