Mercedes Martinez October 4, 1932 to November 14 2022 Mrs. Mercedes Martinez of Brandon, Florida passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, November 14, 2022, at the age of 90. Mercedes Martinez Montanez Rivera was born on October 4, 1932, to Maria Montaňez and Marcelo Rivera in Gurabo, Puerto Rico. Gurabo is also known as "La Ciudad de las Escaleras", or the "City of Stairs". She had (4) four siblings: Emilio, Gina, Moncha, and Carmen Rivera. She attended Luis Munoz Rivera Elementary School and Matias Gonzalez Garcia Secondary. Ernesto was born in 1951 when she met her first husband Jose Luis Diaz. At the age of ten years old, she professed her faith in Jesus Christ and joined Baptist Church in Gurabo, Puerto Rico. Mercedes loved the Lord, and her walk with Christ continued attending Belmont Baptist in Chicago. She spoke highly of Reverend Santana. She served as a Treasurer and cooked many meals. On August 25, 1955, she traveled to Chicago where she met her second husband, Mr. Ezequiel Almodovar Sr. On September 9, 1992, she moved to Seffner, Florida with her third husband, Enrique Martinez. She was a resident of Brandon, Florida for 30 years. Her beautiful life will forever be remembered in the lives of her children. She excelled at every effort she pursued especially in raising the six children she was so proud of. Ernesto Diaz (Mathematics Teacher and trumpet player) from Gurabo, Puerto Rico, Zenaida (Z) Almodovar of Chicago, Illinois (Teacher), Ezequiel (Zeke) Jr. Almodovar (Retired Peoples Gas) living in Orlando, Florida, Anita (Nita) Almodovar (Social Worker) residing in Brandon, Florida, and Emilio (Mijo) Almodovar (V.A. Nurse) residing in Douglasville, GA. Carlos Luis Almodovar deceased in 1978. Grandchildren: 10 Great grandchildren: 22 Great-great grandchildren: 3 She was a solid and independent lady even up to the time of her passing. She was funny and had a wonderful sense of humor, as well as an admirable work ethic which she passed along to her children. Mercedes cultivated a creative mind that eventually led her to create many arts and crafts. Her hands were rarely still. She also shared her love of food such as rice, beans, rice puddings, and so many exotic delicious meals. She adored her family and friends, and spent every available moment with them at the beach or watching soap operas Mercedes created a record of her life in which she expressed who she was as a Mother, Wife, Friend, and Daughter. She kept a detailed calendar and journals of important events in her family's lives. She had many talents which included telling stories and giving wisdom and advice. She used to always say: “Do what’s right and do what’s good. Be kind and help others. Her life was a living example of her favorite Bible verse, Ephesians 4:32- “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” She can tell jokes, and riddles, sing songs, play bingo and dominos, recites rhymes, and folktale stories, recites Bible verses and enjoys life to the fullest. She has the cutest dimples. We were taught to enjoy friendships and to respect them. She fed everyone in our community. She loves to cook.