Leoncia “Mercedes” Melendez

Leoncia “Mercedes” Melendez

Leoncia Melendez, known to all as Mercedes, age 92, of Lowell, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at St. Joseph Hospital in Nashua, NH.

Born in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, on April 11, 1934, Mercedes was the daughter of the late Guillermo Melendez and the late Julia (Marquez) Melendez. She was raised and educated in Puerto Rico the eldest of 12 siblings.

Mercedes would eventually migrate to the States settling in New York where she began a career in Business Administration. Though she returned to Puerto Rico to raise her family, in 1989 she found her way back to the states settling in Lowell, where her eldest daughter, son , siblings, and mother had established themselves. She continued her career until her “retirement” in 1993. Although retired she found herself working for the Lowell Housing Authority for the next few years. 

Education was always important to Mercedes. Later in life she went back to school and earned her master’s degree. Through her church, she also studied at the Bible institute and earned several certifications.

Mercedes was a devoted Christian. Over many years she was a faithful member of Peniel Christian Church in Lowell. She also served at several churches in Lawrence alongside her good friend, Pastor Leoncio Piña. She was an accomplished musician who studied at Miguel’s School of Music, and she loved to sing and play the guitar. She also enjoyed cooking for the people she loved.

Above all, Mercedes was known as Grandma to everyone in her neighborhood. She showed what it truly means to be a grandmother, and she gave that love freely to her family and to everyone around her.

She is survived by her children, Felipe Perez of Lowell, Debora Perez and her husband Javier Figueroa of Orlando, FL, and Milagros Gomez of Lowell; six grandchildren, Robbie Garcia of Nashua, NH,  Zuleyka Torres of Lowell ,Elizabeth Gomez Baez of Lowell, Isaias Gomez of Lowell, Javier Figueroa of Orlando, FL and Grace Figueroa of Orlando, FL and seven great-grandchildren.  She also leaves her sisters, Ana Huertas and her husband Alarico, Julia D. Fontanez, Maria Melendez, and Dalila Melendez; her brother, Alberto Melendez; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her daughter Vilma Martinez, and siblings Justina Villegas, Carmen, Ricardo, Juan, Julio, Jose G “Chechen” Melendez. 

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 4pm until 7pm at Mahoney Funeral Home, 187 Nesmith Street, Lowell, MA 01852. A service of remembrance will be held on Friday October 2, 2026 at 9am at the funeral home, followed by burial at Lowell Cemetery, Lowell. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Mahoney Funeral Home. For additional information or to offer an online condolence, please visit www.mahoneyfuneralhome.com.