Maria Theda M Guce

Maria Theda Mercado Guce, known to her loved ones as Theda, peacefully passed away on August 29, 2023, at the age of 77 in North Las Vegas, NV. She was a dutiful daughter, devoted wife and sister, cherished mother, and doting grandmother. Theda was born on December 9, 1945, in Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines, to Macario Mercado and Maria Honrade. She was the second child and eldest daughter out of eight siblings.

Theda successfully juggled taking care of her younger siblings, while helping with the family business, and schoolwork to finish as her high school salutatorian. She graduated with a BSBA in Banking and Finance from the University of the East in Manila, Philippines in 1964. She worked for the Mercado Trading Corporation and was a member of the Board of Directors, where she made significant contributions throughout her career. Theda worked as a payroll analyst for J. Walter Thompson, American Broadcasting Corporation, and the Metropolitan Transit Authority of New York from the early 1980’s until her retirement in 2006.

Theda married Renato M. Guce on January 5, 1969 and were inseparable for 54 years. They emigrated to the United States in late 1974. Together they raised three children and always encouraged them to put maximum effort in everything they did. They took pride in their achievements and provided reassurance with their setbacks. Theda was a supportive wife and a loving mother whose devotion to her family and friends was unwavering. She was known for her quiet and humble nature but possessed a strong will and ambitious spirit. She encouraged her family to have faith, believe in themselves, and follow their dreams.

In her free time, Theda enjoyed various hobbies that brought her joy and fulfillment. She loved shopping, reading, fishing at the beach, knitting, crocheting, jewelry-making, and was a jack-of-all-trades for other home crafts. She took pleasure in karaoke, cooking delicious food, baking sweet treats for her family, and spoiling her five cherished grandchildren. She loved to travel and went on many trips throughout the United States, the Philippines, Europe, and Asia.

Theda is survived by her loving and devoted husband Renato, her eldest son Earl M. Guce and daughter-in-law Renee M. Guce, her grandsons Tristan D. Norman and Liam I. Guce, her granddaughter Narra M. Guce, her son Winston R. Guce and daughter-in-law Cindy Guce, her youngest daughter Maria G. Palminteri and son-in-law Frank Palminteri, her granddaughters Elizabeth Palminteri and Sofia Palminteri, her eldest brother Jose Mercado, her younger sisters Nilda Mercado Gozos, Amy Mercado Sayuno, Elsie Mercado Sosa, and younger brothers Roel Mercado and Myles Mercado. Theda is now reunited with her previously departed parents Macario and Maria, her sister Imelda and brothers Antonio, Lorenzo, and Efren.

Memorial services to celebrate Theda's life will be held at the Palm Northwest Mortuary, 6701 N Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89131, on September 13, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and on September 14, 2023, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The funeral service will be held at St. John Neumann Roman Catholic Church, 2575 W El Campo Grande Ave, North Las Vegas, NV 89031, on September 15, 2023, at 10:00 AM.

Theda will be sorely missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her; it is unlikely we will ever meet someone like her again. Her legacy of love, humility, faith, courage, and strength will continue to inspire and guide those whose lives she touched.

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