Mercedes Rodriguez

Mercedes Rodriguez, 93, a long-time resident of Goshen, passed away Saturday, November 25, 2023 of natural causes surrounded by her beloved family.

Mercedes was born October 7, 1930 in New York City, New York to Leida Torres Folguera and Jaime Folguera who quickly after her birth returned to their native land of Puerto Rico. She grew up in Penuelas, Ponce, and Adjuntas, Puerto Rico.

On August 5, 1950, she married the love of her life Luis Arturo Rodriguez Vazquez of Adjuntas, Puerto Rico.  Even though divorced they remained best friends until his death on April 22, 2014.

She is survived by her three children; daughter and lifetime companion Linette (Steven) Schwinn of Goshen, with whom she resided until her death, Jaime (Vicki) Rodriguez of Orlando, Florida, and Norberto Luis (Lorreta) Rodriguez of Ashville, North Carolina, nine grandchildren; Steven Aaron Schwinn (Christina), Austin (Regan Shorter) Schwinn, Abram Schwinn, Alania Chaffee(Chris), Carissa D’Amelio (Spencer), Kiara Mari (Nick), Jennifer Rodriguez, Nick (Rachel) Rodriguez, Jon Rodriguez and seven great-grandchildren; Milo Gay, Azaliea Schwinn, Madeleine Schwinn, Esmae D’Amelio, Pearce Chaffee, Enzo D’Amelio and Calvin Schwinn.

Along with her parents and ex-husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Jose Jaime Folguera.

Mercedes graduated from Colegio de las Madres (Sacred Heart) in Ponce, Puerto Rico and then attended a year of business school. She along with her husband Luis were entrepreneurs.  They founded Hotel Monte Rio in Adjuntas and ran their hardware store in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico. After moving to Florida and later to Indiana she worked in sales. She was very gregarious, dynamic, had a contagious smile, kind, joyful, loving, loved by everyone she encountered, and gave of herself wholeheartedly. Mercedes attended nearly all events her grandchildren were involved in and enjoyed traveling mainly for family events. Her life was her children, grandchildren, and God.  The true legacy she leaves behind is the total love and commitment she had for her family: sharing her love and whole heart for her children and grandchildren.  Mercedes was committed to her faith and attended Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Goshen, Goshen Christian Church, and Bible Study Fellowship. She leaves our hearts with love and cherished memories. Her legacy of family focus, love, kindness, playfulness, and joy will continue to live on in her great grandkids and beyond.

Funeral Services will be held at St John the Evangelist at Goshen at 2:00 PM. Tuesday November 28, 2023. There will be a graveside service in Cementerio Catolico San Vicente de Paul, Ponce. Puerto Rico. Details TBA.

The family requests in Lieu of flowers donations be made to St John the Evangelist for families in need.