Rosa was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico and relocated to New York City, in the 1950’s. She married Pedro and together they raised 3 children. Early on she worked in New York’s garment district, then worked as a teacher’s aide, while she continued her education and received her GED.
In 1999, Rosa and her husband moved to Lakewood, NJ, where she enjoyed gardening, cooking traditional meals for her family and volunteering at St. Anthony Claret.
Rosa was predeceased in 2012 by Pedro her husband of over 50 years. She is survived by her children, Enrique Mercado and his wife Zulma of Toms River, Beatrice Yurasits and her husband David of Toms River, and Rosita Mercado and her significant other Angelo Leo of Toms River. She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren, Melissa, Melinda, Michael, Michelle and Bianca and her great-grandchildren Sophia, James, Charlie, and Lilliana. She is also survived by her siblings Eduardo Bermudez, his wife Neriada, Gloria Bermudez, and Hector Cruz.
Mama will be missed and will live in our hearts forever.
