Mercedes Fuentes Peck

100 years, 9 months, and 2 days young

A member of the generation known as the “Greatest Generation.”

Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, Mercedes was a child of the Great Depression. She experienced racism and segregation. She was a World War II bride, a devoted military wife through the Korean and Vietnam conflicts—packing up house and kids whenever duty called. She was “Mom”, “Aunt Mercy”, “Meche”, “Grandma”, “Grammie”, and “Papa Gammie”.

Mercedes met the love of her life, Richard Peck, while he was stationed in Texas. It was said to be the only time Richard ever broke the rules—sneaking to the off-limits barrio to meet her. Decades later, when a neighbor admired a photo of young Mercedes, saying “She was beautiful,” Richard smiled and replied, “She still is.”

Together, Richard and Mercedes raised four children, eventually settling in El Cajon, California, in 1963. Money was often tight, especially when Richard was deployed, but the family always had what mattered most. They shared laughter, faith, and adventure—church picnics, camping trips with friends, and cross-country journeys to visit loved ones.

Mercedes was a woman of many talents. Beyond her sewing, crochet, knitting, and upholstery skills, she was a gifted singer and a proud member of her church choir, often the featured soloist at Midnight Mass. When her children had grown up, Mercedes discovered a new passion for painting, and several of her beautiful works now hang in her children’s homes.

After Richard’s 30 years in the Navy, Mercedes earned her A.A. in Library Science and became one of San Diego County’s first bilingual librarians. Even after her official retirement, Mercedes stayed busy with her grandchildren—gardening, canning, thrift shopping, and going to Boomers!—creating treasured memories.

After 72 years of marriage, Mercedes’ love story was paused with Richard’s passing. Now, they are together again. Ella está con su ‘encandilado’ otra vez.

Mercedes Fuentes Peck is survived by her four children—Mary Christine Bromley, Richard A. Peck, Stephanie Peck-Wheeler, and Regina Snyder—along with eleven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and the devoted caregivers who became part of the family and loved her as their own.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Light Bridge Hospice Care at https://lbhcf.org/.