Mercedes Marin, age 81, of Chicago, found peace on Friday, June 25, 2021. She died surrounded by her loving children.

Mercedes was the loving mother of Yamel Torres (Jennifer), Sixto Torres, Osiel Torres (Vivian), Saroniel Torres (Maria), Mayra Alvarez (Jorge), Sairinia Guevara (Arturo), Karla Ortiz (Eddie) and Sharline ‘Charlie’ Dellamorte (Anthony). She leaves a host of grandchildren and a great grandson. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Olivia Torres.

Mercedes was born in Mexico on October 24, 1939, to Elidia Encinia and Felix Marin. At the age of 23 she came to the United States and started her family in New Mexico. Mercedes would eventually settle in Chicago with her children and sister, where she bought her first home. When she was not in her garden talking with the birds, she was in the kitchen cooking for everyone and anyone. Her heart somehow found room for everyone she encountered, as did her kitchen table.

Mercedes will be missed by many for her kindness and generosity. She was a nature lover and felt the most peace in her garden. Mercedes was a bright spirit that guided many; her absence will be felt deeply. A bench will be dedicated in her memory at the Chicago Botanic Garden, where all who loved her can visit and remember her at her happiest.

Services are private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123-1718 (www.cancer.org).