Helga Elisabeth Mercado

Helga E. Mercado, age 97, of Dunnellon, Florida, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026. Born on June 23, 1928, in Salzburg, Austria, Helga lived a long and beautiful life filled with love, creativity, faith, and devotion to her family.

Helga was a proud graduate of trade school in Austria and earned her Bachelor’s Degree there as well. She built a career in the garment district as a talented pattern maker, dedicating many years of hard work and craftsmanship to her profession at Crazy Horse. Her artistic spirit and attention to detail were reflected not only in her work, but also in the many passions she enjoyed throughout her life.

On July 4, 1953, Helga married the love of her life, Angelo D. Mercado. Together they shared a lifetime of memories, commitment, and family.

A faithful member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Dunnellon, Helga’s faith was an important part of her life. She found great joy in sewing, painting, and creating quilts, often pouring her love and creativity into every piece she made. Her warm heart, gentle spirit, and caring nature touched everyone who knew her.

Helga is lovingly survived by her children, Dolly Locklear and Bella Velez; her grandchildren, Kimo, Jason, Ninette, Andrea, Jasmin, Jorge, and Jose; along with her many cherished great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Vanessa, Edgard, Jaden, Zavier, Christopher, Lyla, and Kai; and dear friends who will forever treasure her memory.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Helga’s life on May 24, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Forest Lawn Funeral Service.

Though she will be deeply missed, Helga’s love, kindness, and beautiful legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.