In Loving Memory of Judith Ann Mercado (copy)

Judith Ann Helen Stormowski Mercado, 81, passed away the afternoon of Friday, Aug. 4, in Naples, Florida with the love of her life, Roger Mercado by her side.

The first of two children of Marcella Anna Zeman and Donat August Stormowski, Judy was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on October 3, 1941.

While working as a candy striper the summer after graduating from Divine Savior High School, Judy was asked to assist new medical interns moving into St. Michael’s Hospital, one of whom was Roger Colina Mercado, MD, of Cebu, Philippines, whom she married just a few years later in 1961.

After Roger’s anesthesia residency in Chicago, Judy, Roger and their two girls, Lisa and Leila, moved to Kenosha, Wisconsin, where two sons were born, Philip and Roger Junior. For the next 25 years, Judy lived in Kenosha, raising their family, volunteering for their children’s schools, selling real estate and hosting amazing dinner parties where she insisted on doing all the cooking. Her homemade pastas, delicious chicken adobo and crispy egg rolls were always complemented by her signature hot sauce, “death wish.”

In addition to her love of cooking, Judy had many other passions, including traveling, fishing, Ladies Poker Night, bowling, ceramics, and the Green Bay Packers. She also played a mean game of mahjong, and while sitting at the table with her scotch and water and Benson & Hedges menthol lights, she easily and always took everyone’s money. Judy loved cheering for her children and grandchildren from the stands.

Judy and Roger fell in love with Marco Island, Florida, during a family vacation in 1969. Marco instantly became their go-to destination for family Christmases, Easters and summer vacations. When Roger retired in 1989, they made Marco their full-time home. Judy spent hours fishing for snapper and grouper (her favorites!) from the seawall behind their house while Roger spent hours swatting mosquitoes.

Judy’s family and friends will remember her for many reasons, especially when they hear the song Harbor Lights and when they smell the scent of gardenias.

Judy is survived by her husband of 62 years, Roger of Naples, Florida; daughter Lisa Meurgue (Denis) of Marco Island, Florida; son Philip (Todd) of Los Angeles; son Roger Junior (Stacey) of Fort Myers, Florida; and eight grandchildren -- Margaux, Alexandra, Emmanuelle, Blue, Leila, Gus, Landon and Sophie -- all of whom she taught to be fierce mahjong players.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, brother Robert, and beloved daughter, Leila. A memorial service is planned for later this year.