Mercedes Ortiz Rivera was born in Guayama, Puerto Rico on September 24, 1938, to the late Alejandro Ortiz and Juana Ferrer, as one of 8 children. She went home with her Lord on August 5, 2021 at Presbyterian Hospital, Philadelphia, PA.

Mercedes lived a long life to the ripe old age of 82, living a life full of love and devotion to not only her family but the Lord as well. She was always an active member of her church and the community. Mercedes was a woman who always worked, having many different careers in her life. She was a teacher's aid for the Bridgeton Board of Ed and also a parent liaison and a community outreach worker for H.U.B (Hispanos Unidos de Bridgeton) and CASA PRAC. She was also a nurses aid with Cuidado Casero, and worked in retail at Bradlees and Twice Loved Treasures.

Although Mercedes faced many challenges in her life, she always overcame them, and emerged stronger and more determined to succeed. The main driving force behind her determination was her children. They were always the first reason, the second reason and the last reason why she did anything. Mercedes was a dedicated mother to her 8 children. She raised them on her own and gave the best that she possibly could. If there were an award for the World's Best Mother, our Mother deserved it ten times over. Mercedes gave her children the best example of how a good person should be. She was the best example of what the bible describes as a Good Samaritan, Mercedes could not and would not walk by someone who was in need. She had a giving heart; a helper's heart and she gave with her whole heart.

All those who had the privilege to know her will feel the great void that her absence will leave behind. However, Mercedes is rejoicing in heaven with those who went before her, her mother, grandmother, granddaughter, 2 children, 3 brothers and her husband.

Mercedes is survived by her 6 loving and devoted children; James Matos, Victor Matos, Hilda Romero, Justo Romero, Jose Romero and Virgen Romero. Her 8 cherished grandchildren; Victor Ramos, James Alexis Matos, Shaun Matos, Angela C. Romero, Carmen Matos, Natasha Hernandez, Juliana Romero and Justo Romero, Jr., along with a plethora of beloved great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at 7:30 pm at the Overcoming Victory Church, 139 North Pearl Street. Bridgeton, NJ.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.wbfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are in the care of Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, Vineland.