America "Meri" Medina, age 84 of Vineland went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 25, 2014 surrounded by her loving family by her side. "Meri" or "Abuelita" as she was known by everyone who loved her was born in Lares, Puerto Rico on August 1, 1929 to Isidro and Carmela (Mendez) Medina. America, a widow, first came to Vineland in 1972, with her seven children. She was a longtime resident of Vineland for 42 years. America was a homemaker and true matriarch. She devoted her life's work to her family. She enjoyed cooking for them and spending time with her family and making each and every one of them feel like they were the apple of her eye. She was a woman of great faith and believed in Jesus Christ. She was predeceased by her husband Jacinto Echevarria, two daughters, Awilda Echevarria and Aida (Castro) Echevarria. Also two grandchildren, Yamila(Castro) Benaridez and Emmanuel Guzman. Survivors include 3 Sons, Juan "Joe" Echevarria and his wife Joani, Noel Echevarria and his wife Mildred and Reynaldo Pagan. Three daughters, Sonia Guzman and her husband Hector, Idalia Velez and her husband Hector and Brunilda Perez and her husband Juan. 11 Grandchildren, 14 Great-Grandchildren and her beloved caregiver and friend of five years Maria Jimenez. Funeral services will be held Monday, March 3rd at 11:00 AM from the Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home 1024 E. Landis Ave. Vineland with Pastor Tony Negron officiating. Burial will follow in Siloam Cemetery. Viewing will be held 10:00-11:00 AM prior to the service at the funeral home. Please visit wbfuneralhome.com to send on-line condolences and or tributes to the family. Donations in memory of America may be made to Parkinson's Disease or Alzheimer's Disease Research. Arrangements are under the supervision of WAINWRIGHT-BERNHARDT Funeral Home, Vineland.