Mercedes Martinez Burtch's Obituary
Mercedes “Mercy” Martinez Burtch of Abita Springs, LA passed away on Thursday, September 26, 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Mercy was born on July 21, 1953 in Havana, Cuba to Oscar G. Martinez and Mercedes Dumois Martinez. She attended high school at Immaculata-La Salle in Miami, Florida and later received her Baccalaureate degree in Social Work at the University of Austin, Texas and a Master’s in Business Administration at Florida Tech. She was the administrative director of the MBA program at Florida Tech’s Lockheed Martin Campus and was a Spanish instructor at the University of New Orleans, Slidell Campus. She later became a certified educator who taught Spanish at Fontainebleau High School for 20 years.
Mercy is preceded in death by her beloved husband William Joseph Burtch and father Oscar G. Martinez. She is survived by her daughters, Jennifer Burtch and Michelle Burtch, her mother Mercedes Dumois Martinez, and her grandchildren Patrick William Brunell and Mia Grace Burtch-Mince. She is also survived by her brother Oscar G. Martinez Jr., her uncle Fr. Frank Dumois, O.F.M., nieces Andrea Martinez and Joana Martinez, her grandniece Lauren, and her cousins.
She was a tirelessly devoted mother and grandmother and avid world traveler, but happiest near the beach. She enjoyed teaching and especially valued the relationships she fostered with her students as she watched them grow into young adults. She was a faithful member of St. Jane de Chantel Church in Abita Springs. Her passion for Jesus and her unceasing faith gave her strength and peace during her most difficult times.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at St. Jane de Chantal Catholic Church, 72040 Maple St, Abita Springs, LA 70420 on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 11:00 AM. A Rosary will be said in honor of Mercy beginning at 10:30 AM. Visitation at the church will begin Wednesday at 9:30 AM followed by interment at Biloxi National Cemetery, 1001, 400 Veterans Ave, Biloxi, MS 39531. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Mercy may be made to Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans. Donations may be mailed to 824 Elmwood Park Blvd Suite154, New Orleans, LA 70123.
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