Isabel Mercado Rivera

Isabel Mercado Rivera, 80, of Camden, NJ, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2025. Born in Lares, Puerto Rico, on September 24, 1944, to Carmelo Mercado and Julia Rivera, Isabel was a devoted wife to the late Ismael Gonzalez and a loving mother to Nilda Gonzalez (late Jesus Lopez), Mildred Gonzalez, Evelyn Gonzalez, Angel Gonzalez (Glenys Gonzalez), Orlando Gonzalez (Sheila Gonzalez), Isabel Gonzalez (Ulises Rodriguez), Yaritza Gonzalez Toledo (Freddy Toledo), Ivonne Babilonia and late Ismael Gonzalez aka Coco. She was a cherished grandmother to Tito, Ivonne, Junín, Edwin, Angel, Eric, Macho, Charlie, Gaby, Rafi, Esther, Angelito, Ariana, Margarita, Cinthia, Xamara, Jay, Orlando Jr, Rachel, Franky, Julisa, Ulises, Chris, Inari, and Freddy Jr, Alexis, Alexander, Stephanie, Kelvin, Leisha, Manuel, Lele, Mia, and Arielle. Isabel was also a beloved great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother to many. She is survived by her siblings, Ismael Mercado, Edwin Mercado, and Jaime Rosado. She will be deeply missed by her dog, Nicky, and her best friend, Aileen. Isabel was a joyful and hardworking woman who took great pride in everything she did. She had a passion for cooking and loved making coquito, arroz con gandules, pernil, frituras, pinchos, and limber. Coffee was her constant companion, and she could enjoy a cup at any hour of the day while listening to her radio. She also loved dancing and traveling, frequently visiting Puerto Rico or taking trips to Florida with her family. She also loved spending time with the babies she took care of. Fiercely independent and strong, Isabel showed her love through acts of care—ensuring that everyone around her was well-fed and cared for. The oldest of seven siblings, she played a significant role in raising them. In 1992, she moved to the United States, where she continued to embody her tireless spirit, always preferring to walk everywhere rather than rest. Above all, Isabel cherished the time spent with her family, creating memories that will live on in their hearts forever. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Thursday, April 3rd, at Givnish of Cinnaminson, 1200 Route 130 North, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and again on Friday, April 4th, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with her Life Celebration Service beginning at 12:00 PM. Entombment will follow at Arlington Cemetery in Pennsauken, NJ. In honor of their mother’s wishes, the family kindly requests no floral arrangements. She will be remembered with love and gratitude for the warmth, strength, and joy she brought into the lives of those around her.

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Isabel Mercado Rivera

September 24, 1944 - March 29, 2025