Our beloved Anita Mercado Ortiz, daughter of Toribio and Elena Mercado, passed away on Saturday, October 17th, at the age of 89, surrounded by her husband Pedro (Pete), her daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend who expected diligence and demanded perseverance from all those around her, especially her family. Anita possessed a sharp critical intellect and wit that took nothing for granted. She read voraciously and was a keen observer although her limited eyesight rendered her legally blind. She handed down a love of music, art and learning to her daughters and grandchildren who became musicians and artists in their own right. Her belief in the value of knowledge for its own sake took her to UTSA at the age of 48 where she pursued a master's degree in Spanish Language and Literature. The pursuit of knowledge in and of itself made the challenge worth doing. In recent years she kept an iPad close at hand. She heeded the old Chinese proverb, "Learning, learning, never ending." Her love for her children and grandchildren was especially evident in the wonderful artistry of her cooking. Anyone who ate at Anita's house knew she was a serious cook. She perused cookbooks but she didn't need recipes. She was able to bring out the most exquisite flavors from even the most humble ingredients. No one could duplicate her enchiladas! And with Pete as her sous chef, Anita was a master tamalera. Her artistic touch extended to her love of flowers and plants. Over the years she and Pete created a tropical park in their backyard that reflected the many species they had seen in their travels to Mexico and throughout the United States. And we would be remiss if we didn't mention her skill as a storyteller. Many an ancestor would come alive during those evenings at her home when she would regale us with stories of how people met, how they lived and loved, and who they really were. She shared her loves with us, showing us where to find a little bit of heaven in this world; something to tide us over until we meet again. Anita is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Pedro ("Pete"), three daughters and their husbands, Thelma Inez Muraida (Daniel), Esther Ortiz (Jeff Hislop), and Patty Ortiz (Dwight Hobart), seven grandchildren, Graciela M. Del Toro, Laura C. Muraida, Daniel A. Muraida, Matthew P. Hislop, Zachery J. Hislop, Maya E. Shugart, Peter R. Shugart, and three great-grandchildren Diego Del Toro, Elias Del Toro, and Avia Del Toro. FUNERAL SERVICES Rosary will be recited Thursday, October 22, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. for Anita Mercado Ortiz and her sister Maria Mercado (who followed her in death). Interment for Anita Ortiz will be at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Friday, October 23, at 9:15 a.m. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS Those who wish to make contributions to the Discalced Carmelite Nuns in Maria's and Anita's name may do so: 6301 Culebra Rd at St. Joseph Way, San Antonio, TX 78238.