Juana Mercado

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Juana Mercado, affectionately known as "Juanita", who passed away on October 20, 2026, at the age of 91. Juana was born on February 5, 1935, in San Juan, Puerto Rico to the late Aquilino Cartagena and Maria Varcarcel.

Juana was a devoted community service worker, dedicating her life to helping others through her role at Chelsea New York City Housing. She was a cherished parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Church in Union City, New Jersey, where she was known for her unwavering commitment to her faith and her community. Juana was a good listener and often offered words of comfort and wisdom, reminding those around her to "Be patient; God is with you."

Juana was preceded in death by her children, Antonio Morales, Mirna Morales, and Carlos Morales; as well as her siblings, Cecilia Ramos and Antonio Cartagena.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Pedro Mercado; her son, Juan Morales; her brother, Robert Cartagena; her sister, Wilma Lopez; and her four grandchildren, Erica, Kimberly, Phillip, and William Del Valle, as well as four great-grandchildren. Her legacy of kindness and compassion will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Memorial donations may be made in Juana's honor to St. Anthony of Padua's R.C. Church in Union City NJ.

Juana Mercado will be dearly missed, and her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those she touched through her selfless service.