Mercedes Herrera Lazu

Mercedes Herrera - Lazu affectionately known as Lila was born on September 24, 1934 in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, Herrera beach. Her parents were Quintin and Anatasia Herrera. She was one of ten children: two boys Jesus & Simon and eight girls Doris, Agustina, Teresa, Mercedes (Meche), Carmela, Carlita, Cristina (Perfeta), and Josefina (Nereida). The family moved to the Bronx, New York, and she graduated from James Adam's High School. In 1955, Miguel and Mercedes married and had their first son, Michael Figueroa. They then had their second son Havier Figueroa two years later in 1957. They finally had their princess Diana Figueroa in 1966. Mercedes worked as a businesswoman with her sisters with their own food truck and worked in a factory sewing clothes. Over time she started another business sewing clothes with her sisters. Mercedes moved to Bayamón, PR in 1977 and studied nursing where she graduated with her LPN from Antilles College of Health. She worked for 22 years as a nurse at the San Pablo Hospital in Bayamón. She was a hardworking woman. She was able to build her own two-story house in Vega Baja. She later married Lucas Cotto and was happily in matrimony for nine years.

In 1990 Mercedes moved to Avon Park, FL to make a way for her family. In Florida she was determined to seek a better life and future for her grandchildren. She had six grandchildren Wildaliz, Fransisco, Wilfredo Jr, Sheila, Fernando, and Havier Jr. She quickly looked for a church and was a member until her last days. Mercedes worked as a nurse at the Royal Oak Nursing Home, took a Culinary and Pastry course and made cakes as her own business. She was a licensed foster mom and had so many children making sure to always teach them the fear of God. She adopted one of her foster children, Nina Herrera. Mercedes loved animals and had several pets and named them all Lilo. She traveled as a missionary to various places including Africa, Honduras, Nicaragua and parts of Europe. Her heart was always helpful and she was known for her teachings and advice of wisdom. Mercedes started the “Rompiendo Yugos” group on Thursdays and was also in charge of the pro-templo where she sold Cuban sandwiches and pastellilos. Mercedes loved the Lord's teaching so much that she was determined to graduate from MIZPA. Lila was a woman who never stopped despite life's obstacles and never gave up. Although she went through many trials, she never left her faith. Lila tells everyone about Christ and more than anything about the love of the Lord.

She taught her family the importance of unity and as always “moving forward.” Lila leaves a legacy of perseverance and most of all, the love of God & serving. Therefore we share with you one of her favorite verses: 

Psalm 146

1 Praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord, my soul.

2 I will praise the Lord all my life;
    I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

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