Mercedes Badillo

Mercedes Badillo is resting in eternal peace. She passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 31, 2023.

For Mercedes, rest was always scarce during her 90 years of life as mother, abuela, caregiver, and extraordinary cook. Her culinary arts kept her busy at home and at Sacred Heart Chapel, where her many volunteer activities included working in the kitchen for church events.

At Sacred Heart, she also served as Eucharistic Minister and as a member of the Sociedad de Damas, Legion of Mary, Cursillo Movement, Catholic Charismatic Renewal, and Marriage Encounter.

As good a cook as she was, Mercedes was also a natural caregiver. She often said that if she had been able to study for a career, she would have become a nurse.

Those caregiving skills came in handy when her husband Tomás developed pancreatic cancer in 2005. He beat the odds and lived another 13 years. Mercedes’ caregiving—and her cooking—may have had as much to do with that as the doctors.

Her many skills, though, began with needle and thread. She sewed gloves as a young woman growing up near Aguada, Puerto Rico. She was so good that the clothing company used her work as the prototypes that would go to the bosses for approval.

These are just a few of the memories of Mercedes that will never be forgotten by her seven children that survive her: Elcida (Juan) Palacios of Lorain, Norma (Robert) Malone of Avon, Francisco (Matilde) of Glen Allen, VA, Javier (Natale) of Amherst, Ana (Patrick) Rhyner of Quakertown, PA, Mercedes (Frank) Szuch of Elyria, and Yolanda (Marcos) Maldonado of Lorain. Mercedes is also survived by 16 grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

Others considered Mercedes a surrogate mother. They include Nadya Tolshchikova, and Hoda Bakhshandagi, who passed away in 1998.

This family is the legacy of Mercedes and Tomás, her husband of nearly 64 years who preceded her in death.

Mercedes is also survived by her sisters Aurelia, Ana, Lucy, and brothers Marcelo, Julio, and Hiram, all of Puerto Rico. Mercedes was preceded in death by her sister Catalina, brother Domingo, and her parents, Juan and Petronila López.

The family extends its thanks to the caregivers who helped Mercedes as her health declined, including Jailin of Fraternal Healthcare, the staff at Mercy Health Hospital, and New Life Hospice.

Family will receive friends on Monday November 6, from 4 pm to 8 pm at Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Avenue, Lorain, and Tuesday November 7 at 8:30 am prior to a 9:30 am Mass at Sacred Heart Chapel, 4301 Pearl Avenue, Lorain. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests those who wish may make donations in Mercedes’ name to Sacred Heart Chapel.