Luz De La Cruz Mercedes passed away on December 6, 2022. Born on February 11, 1946, in Santa Cruz del Seibo, Dominican Republic, the youngest child of Andres and Graciela, she came to the United States as a young woman in search of a better life. Luz was an angel of god, the most incredibly loving mother, generous grandmother, understanding aunt, selfless sister, supportive cousin, kind comadre, and genuine madrina.

Our hearts are broken, having lost our family's forgiving, smart, and beautiful Matriarch. Luz leaves behind her husband, Braudilio Mercedes; her children, Ely Santoni (Saulio), Yolanda Santoni (Alfredo), Andrea Santoni (Freddy), Orlando Santoni (Olga); her step-daughters Yuviry Mercedes, Yively Mercedes, and Marely Mercedes; grandchildren, Jonathan, Erica, Amanda, Orlando, David, Diana, and Samuel; great-granddaughters Mia and Chloe; and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends. Luz was the light of our lives.

A retired chef and excellent cook, Luz would dream up delicious recipes, whip them up, and share them with her family, friends, and colleagues. A dinner invitation was a restaurant-quality event, complete with an easy smile and quick wit; Luz's discussions with Juanita were always a highlight. She accepted everyone with affection and without judgment. To eat at Luz's table was to know you were home.

Please join our family in celebrating her life on Sunday, December 11, 2022, from 2-6 pm at Frank Patti Funeral Home in Fort Lee. On Monday, December 12, after a funeral service, Internment will take place at Brookside Cemetary in Englewood, NJ.

In place of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Luz's name to The American Cancer Society.