Mercedes Maza

Mercedes Maza (née Gandarillas) was born in 1924 in New Jersey to Fernando and Francisca Gandarillas (née Torre). She had one older sister, Casimira (Katherine, d.), one older brother, Fernando (d.) and a twin sister Josephine (d.). Mercedes met the love of her life, Angel (d.), in New York City at a Spanish dance at La Nacional Club. They tied the knot in 1953 and remained married for an impressive 65 years. Together, they had two children.

Mercedes was a poster child of the “Greatest Generation”—resilient, selfless, humble and tough-as-nails. Mercedes was an avid reader and fervent animal lover. She was devoted to St. Jude. Mercedes is survived by her two children (Francisca m. Philip Giammarino (d.) and Michael), six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Mercedes always said, “give me flowers when I’m alive, not when I’m dead.” To honor her wishes, the family is asking for donations to St. Jude’s Children Hospital in lieu of flowers. For more information, please click the link below.

https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/GiftFunds/GiftFunds?px=7171100&pg=personal&fr_id=39300

A Funeral Mass will be held 10:30 am on Saturday, September 4th at St Agnes RC Cathedral, Quealy Pl, Rockville Centre, NY.

Calling hours will be Friday, September 3rd from 4- 8PM at Towers Funeral Home Inc., 2681 Long Beach Rd, Oceanside, NY.