Justina "Lita" Vergara Mercado

Lita Vergara Mercado, 73, of Orlando, FL, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 16, 2020. She was born on September 26, 1947 in Lipa City, Philippines. She is the daughter of late Vicente Bandelaria Vergara and late Loreta Cornejo Vergara. Lita graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She eventually immigrated to the United States and lived in several states before settling in Orlando, FL. She retired from the University of Central Florida where she worked in the Travel Accounts department.

Lita's greatest joy was spending time with her children, but especially her two grandchildren: Nicholas and Mia. She looked forward to visiting them on the weekends and constantly called and texted them to make sure that everyone was doing well.

Lita was a very active and devoted parishioner at Good Shepherd Catholic Church where she served faithfully for many years. She served as a Eucharistic Minister and a daily mass lector, proclaiming the word of God at mass. She was a member of many ministries at Good Shepherd, including Ministry to the Sick, Bereavement Ministry, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Ministry, Filipino Community Ministry, and Daily Bread for Priests.

Lita also looked forward to volunteering at the annual Good Shepherd Mardi Gras Festival, Friday Lenten Soup, and the Children Christmas Gift Giving events. Devoting her life to God and her church brought her happiness and joy. She was loved by so many at Good Shepherd Catholic Church and the people of the parish became her family too.

She loved to travel, especially on religious pilgrimages. She has visited many countries, including Italy, Spain, Germany, Poland, Mexico, France, and many others. Cooking was also a specialty of Lita's. She loved to cook for others, especially her family. If you stopped by her house at any given moment, it is likely that she served you a meal.

Lita is survived by her four children: Sherwin Mercado, Warren Mercado, Jane (Peter) Rigali, and Michael Mercado; her two grandchildren: Nicholas and Mia Rigali: her older brother, Mario (Rosalie) Vergara; and younger sisters:Cora (Ramon) Jante and Myrna (Mario) Javier; as well as many other family, including cousins, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, our family is asking for donations to Good Shepherd Catholic Church where she was a very devoted parishioner and volunteer: Good Shepherd Catholic Church Online Giving.