María Mercedes Flórez Prida, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother – and a woman many people counted on for strong, grounded guidance and wisdom – died today peacefully and surrounded by love. She was 90.

Born August 25, 1928 in Sancti-Spiritus, Cuba to Manuel Flórez and Nieves Prida, Mercedes was one of seven Flórez children – including Manuel, Migdalia, Marietta, Silvio, Mario, and María de los Angeles.

She married Carlos Manuel Martínez Meneses in 1950 and they had two children, María Martínez and Carlos Martínez, both of whom survive their mother.

In 1962, after the death of Carlos Manuel Martínez Meneses a year earlier, Mercedes emigrated from Cuba to the United States (Puerto Rico) with her children and extended family members. She later met and married her beloved husband, Francisco González de la Red, who also survives her, as does her grandchild, Cecilia Marie Votta.

Other survivors include her siblings Marietta, Silvio, María de los Angeles and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mercedes was a devoted Catholic, choir director, accountant, and storyteller. She was also a magnet for many people drawn to her tender heart, gentle spirit, loving humor, and impish grin.

Said her daughter María: “It’s impossible to fully measure the impact of such a wonderful mother – as a fearsome caregiver, excellent role model, respected community member, loving wife, and kind-hearted soul. Our many memories are lasting blessings.”

Services for Mercedes will be announced at a later date.