Mercedes A. Resto, age 96, passed away on March 7, 2022, at home. At the age of 93, she was diagnosed with dementia, heart, and kidney problems. After suffering for almost four years, her body decided to rest and Jesus called her home.
A long time resident of Philadelphia, Mercedes Resto was born on May 11, 1925 in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, to parents, Leoncio Resto and Isidra Rodriguez. She was the 3rd oldest of 12 children and, according to her, Mercedes was the cook of the family and watched over the other siblings.
In 1943, Mercedes eloped with Pedro Ayala, at the age of 19. They had five children, William, Freddy, Saul, Evy (Edith), Carmen Luz and was a stepmom to Victor Ayala Ortiz. In 1958, she followed her husband to Philadelphia to start a new life. She went on to establish a career as a seamstress, working for Good Lad Clothing Company for over 30 years and retiring at age of 65. Mercedes Resto: She loved to cook for Sunday family gatherings, the color purple, and also loved rearranging artificial flowers.
Mercedes A. Resto was preceded in death by her husband, Pedro Ayala, son, Wilfredo Ayala, sisters: Susana, Lucia, Moncita, Carmelita, Iluminada, Maria, Teresa, and Rachel, and her brothers, Francisco and Ismael.
Mercedes A. Resto is survived by her sons, William D. Ayala, Saul Ayala, her stepson, Victor Ayala Ortiz and daughters, Edith Lopez (married to Jorge Lopez) and Carmen Lopez (married to Anival Lopez), 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
A viewing will occur on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at Lamb Funeral Home, 101 Byberry Road, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania 19006, followed by a funeral service at 10:00 AM at Lamb Funeral Home, 101 Byberry Road, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania 19006. A burial will occur Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Forest Hills Cemetery, 25 Byberry Road, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania 19006.
Donations in her memory can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lambfuneralhomeinc.com for the Resto family.
