Marian D. Mercado 11/24/1938 - 2/18/2026

Marian D. Mercado, 87, passed away peacefully at her home in Auburn, California, on February 18, 2026, surrounded by the love that she so generously gave throughout her life. Born on November 24, 1938, in Reno, Nevada, to Nina Bell, Marian carried with her a quiet strength, deep devotion to family, and a warm spirit that touched everyone who knew her. She married the love of her life, Antonio Mercado, on April 3, 1954 in Nevada. Together, Marian and Tony built a life grounded in faith, resilience, and unwavering commitment to their family. As Tony's work with the railroad took them to different communities throughout Nevada and California, Marian created a sense of home wherever they landed. In 1972, they settled in Auburn, where her welcoming kitchen and open heart became the center of countless family gatherings for decades to come. Marian devoted her life to raising their seven children (Rosie, Dee, Josie, Marian, Pam, Susie and Bert), embracing her role as a stay-at-home mother with pride, patience, and endless love. She was the heart of her family, a steady presence, a gentle guide, and a source of comfort and laughter. Her home was always full of children running through the halls, the smell of homemade tortillas warming the kitchen, and enough love to make everyone feel they belonged. She was also a proud and devoted grandmother to 18 grandchildren and great-grandmother to 29 great-grandchildren, each of whom she cherished deeply. Whether cheering from the sidelines at many numerous games or celebrating life's milestones big and small, Marian showed up wholeheartedly. A lifelong San Francisco Giants fan, she rarely missed a game and loved sharing that enthusiasm with her family. In fact, she kept her own stat records of every game for many years. She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and auntie; a woman whose kindness, faith, humor, and steady devotion shaped generations. Her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured and the love she poured into every day. She is survived by her children: Rosie McPherson (Bill), Dee Moug, Josie Sanchez (Rocky), Pam Van Ronk (Cliff), Susie Klingler, and Bert Mercado (Melissa), sister Gloria Williams (Wes), sister Lucille Campbell (Walt), and brother, Gene Bell. She was preceded in death by her husband, Antonio, and her beloved daughter, Marian, grandson Joshua Klingler and sister-in-law Lucella. Family and friends are invited to celebrate her beautiful life at Mass on March 6th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Teresa of Avila in Auburn, California. Her memory will forever be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.