[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 82 (Thursday, May 15, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E438]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING REVEREND MIRIAM MERCADO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. NORMA J. TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 2025

  Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute 
to the life of Reverend Miriam Mercado and her service to our 
community. Reverend Mercado peacefully passed away in her home on 
Easter Day, April 20, 2025, at the age of 101.
  On July 23, 1923, Miriam Mercado was born in Puerto Rico. When she 
was nine years old, her family moved to New York, and in 1968, she 
moved her family to California where she ultimately resided in the 
Inland Empire.
  For the past 30 years, Reverend Mercado lived in the City of 
Claremont where she served as a Staff Minister to the Claremont Church 
of Religious Science. Additionally, she not only ran a successful 
business as a Tax Accountant, but she also spent 18 years volunteering 
as a Chaplain at the Pomona Valley Hospital.
  Ms. Mercado was a true businesswoman who always kept her roots in 
mind. She made efforts to start a business that served Puerto Rican 
rice dishes after discovering the lack of Puerto Rican restaurants in 
her neighborhood.
  In her adult life, her family and community looked up to her as the 
matriarch of her family. As a single mother, she had six children and 
later went on to have two grandchildren and several great-
grandchildren. When she had the opportunity to further her education, 
Rev. Mercado attended San Antonio College in unison with her oldest 
grandchild.
  Even when met with unexpected challenges, she persisted. At the age 
of 56, a stroke left her aphasic and with communication difficulties, 
forcing her to retire. At 96, she was met with another stroke coupled 
with isolation from the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, Miriam ensured close 
communication with her family and others in the community, 
demonstrating that unexpected challenges would not strain her 
relationships with those she loved.
  In her late 70s, she helped found the Agape International Spiritual 
Center in Los Angeles. Inspired by her upbringing as a spiritualist due 
to the influence of her Jamaican grandmother, she remained very 
involved with the Center for Spiritual Living throughout the rest of 
her life.
  For her outstanding accomplishments and remarkable life, it is my 
honor to recognize Reverend Miriam Mercado. Her service and commitment 
to the Inland Empire and beyond are worthy of the highest commendation.

                          ____________________