Lucia Traverzo Mercado, age 83, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Baptist Medical Center South in Jacksonville, Florida.

She was born on December 13, 1942, in San Sebastián, Puerto Rico, to Miguel Traverzo Román and Emerita Pérez Pérez. Lucia spent her early years in San Sebastián before her family moved to New York City, where she later met the love of her life while attending high school.

Lucia married Manuel Mercado Sr., and together they built a beautiful life and family. They eventually settled in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, where Lucia lived for over 30 years. There, she proudly opened her own beauty salon and became a successful business owner for more than three decades. She was admired not only for her talent and work ethic, but also for the kindness and warmth she shared with everyone who walked through her doors.

Left to cherish Lucia’s memory is her beloved husband of 65 years, Manuel Mercado Sr.; her daughter, Lucy Mercado Quinones, and son-in-law, Armando Quinones; her son, Manuel Mercado Jr., and daughter-in-law, Kathleen Peck Mercado; along with her nephew, Johnny Vega, whom she raised as her own son, and his wife, Angelica Vega.

Lucia was a proud and loving grandmother to Amanda Quinones Colon, Alyssa Quinones Munoz, Manuel John Mercado, Nicholas Lee Mercado, Amy Marie Mercado, Evan Vega, and Ethan Vega. She was also a devoted great-grandmother to Sage Colon, Violet Colon, Claire Colon, Jiah Munoz, and Abel Munoz.

She is also survived by her beloved brothers, Miguel Traverzo and Angelo Traverzo, as well as many nieces and nephews whom she adored deeply.

Lucia’s love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren knew no bounds. Any moment spent with family was a joyful one for her. She especially loved shopping trips with her daughter and granddaughters, getting lost in a good book, and spending time at the casino — always hoping to hit it big.

Although she loved traveling, Florida was always her favorite destination. Drawn to the sunshine and warmth, Lucia made Jacksonville her home over 20 years ago.

Those we love never truly leave us. Even when they are no longer physically present, their spirit remains intertwined with our daily lives. They walk beside us every step of the way — unseen and unheard, yet always felt in the quiet moments of reflection and in the echoes of our hearts. Lucia will be deeply missed and forever loved.

A Mass service will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 2:00 PM at St. Joseph Catholic Historic Church.

A Celebration of Life will follow at her daughter’s home in St. Augustine, Florida. Family and friends are encouraged to bring a favorite memory or story to share in honor of Lucia’s life and legacy.

We invite all those who had the privilege of knowing Lucia to share their memories and upload photos to her memorial page. Let us come together to celebrate and remember the remarkable woman who touched the hearts of so many.