Mercedes Lopez Maldonado

Mercedes Lopez Maldonado, 80, of Winter Haven, Florida, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Good Shepherd Hospice Forsythe Hospice House in Auburndale.

Born in Puerto Rico, Mercedes was a longtime resident of the Winter Haven area. She was a faithful member of Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal M.I. in Bartow, where her deep love for God and her church family remained central throughout her life. She found great joy in simple pleasures—cooking for her loved ones, daily walks, working on puzzles, and watching her favorite game shows.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Emilio Lopez and Maria Maldonado; her beloved husband, Santos Caquias, in 2007; her daughter, Sylvia Batista, in 2016; and her brother, Jose Antonio Lopez.

Mercedes is survived by her sons, Santos Caquias, Jr. and Malvin Caquias; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose warmth and faith touched everyone around her.

The family will receive friends on Monday, May 18, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, 2425 Havendale Boulevard NW, Winter Haven. Funeral services will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m.

May she rest in eternal peace.