Mercedes Marie Cruz's Obituary
Mercedes Marie Cruz, 83, of Ocean View, Delaware (formerly of Cherry Hill, New Jersey), unexpectedly passed away in the early hours of October 25, 2025. Mercedes was known for her kind, loving, and sometimes stubborn personality. She will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her sense of humor, her strong work ethic, and her love of casinos.
Born on October 24, 1943, in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, to Jose and Sixta Morales, Mercedes took great pride in all that she did throughout her life. After achieving her educational goals, she was a school teacher for 42 years in Camden, NJ. Upon retirement Mercedes moved to the Southern Delaware beaches and made them home. Mercedes was a dedicated Mother and Grandmother, and quickly became “Grandma” to everyone else in her life. Mercedes also took great joy in the meals she cooked, her beautifully decorated home, and, above all her partner in crime, her beloved dog, Nyla.
Mercedes is survived by her loving family: Denise Parks (Thomas Esterling), Bert Parks, Mya Parks, and Maria Ramos; her sister, Lydia Morales; and her brothers, Edward Morales and Wilfredo Morales and many nieces and nephews. Mercedes will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 am, and a service will be held following at 11:00 AM, at Parsell Funeral Homes, Clarksville Chapel, 34874 Atlantic Avenue, Ocean View, DE 19970. Burial will immediately follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 32112 Vines Creek Road, Dagsboro, DE 19939.
Please sign the tribute wall located on this page.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE HAVE ALL FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS DELIVERED TO PARSELL OCEAN VIEW CHAPEL BY 12 NOON ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2025.
What’s your fondest memory of Mercedes?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mercedes?
Share a story where Mercedes' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mercedes you’ll never forget.
How did Mercedes make you smile?