She was born in Ciudad Madero, Tamaulipas, Mexico to Jose & Nicolasa Godinez and was the youngest of six children. She became Mrs. Hurtado in November, 1963.
Mercedes is survived by her four children -- Miriam Avalos, Frank Hurtado, Joseph Hurtado, and Yadira Hurtado; nine grandchildren -- Frank Jr., Jonathan, Candy, Brandy, Jessie, Isaiah, Anthony, Frankie & Eliana; five great-grandchildren -- Aiden, Jayla, Adam, Annie & Dominic; and one brother -- Antonio.
She worked as a Paraeducator in the Special Education division at Mt. Pleasant High school for 17 years, retiring in 2013. As much as she enjoyed working with the staff & students, her passion was always her family.