Haydee Merced Figueroa, age 91 of Vineland, departed peacefully from this side of eternity on September 11, 2022, into the loving open arms of her awaiting Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Haydee was born on February 18, 1931 in Aibonito, Puerto Rico to the late Pedro Figueroa and Jacinta Rodriguez. She moved to Vineland in 1952 and met Aurelio Merced Sr., her husband of 49 years. Together they raised eight children and one grandson. For many years she worked at Manischewitz and Progresso Foods. Haydee was also a business woman, she went on to own her own general store as well as selling merchandise to the migrant workers. She and her husband retired to Florida, but after his passing, Haydee returned to Vineland.

Haydee lived a life dedicated to God and always serving family, friends, ad anyone in need. She was a founding member of the Spanish Assembly of God Church in Vineland, where she was a member of the Women's Society.

She was predeceased by her husband Aurelio Merced, Sr., her brothers, Luis Manuel Figueroa and Efrain Figueroa, by her sisters, Alicia Figueroa Serrano and Zoraida Figueroa and by her grandson Emanuel Rivera.

Haydee is survived by her eight children; Migdoel "Mickey" Rivera (Margie) of Vineland, Migdalia Rivera of Puerto Rico, Lydia Merced Griffin (Godfrey) of VA, Nellie Merced Eldridge (Arnie) of Vineland, Rebecca Merced of FL, Elizabeth Merced Hamilton (Robert) of Idaho, Aurelio Merced, JR. of FL and Jessica Merced Gonzales of FL. Her 15 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Haydee is also survived by her brother Angel Luis Cruz and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of Spring Oak Assisted Living and Bayada for the wonderful care they gave our mother.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 15th at 11:00 am at Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, 1024 E. Landis Ave. Vineland. Interment will follow in Siloam Cemetery, Vineland. Family and friends may gather from 10:00-11:00 am, prior to the service, at the funeral home.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.wbfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are in the care of Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, Vineland.