Aurea Esther Mercado, 93 of Palm City, FL. passed away on October 11, 2022, at home with family.

Esther, as friends and family knew her, was born on January 25, 1929, in Utuado, PR, to Ramon Mercado and Filomena Boneta. Growing up on a farm is where she cultivated her lifelong love of horticulture. She was always proud of being a country girl and being able to survive off the land. Living during the great depression taught Esther the work ethic she would have for the rest of her life.
In 1955, though unable to speak English she moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. where she worked doing what she knew - agriculture.

Eventually, Esther started a small wholesale nursery in Davie, Fl. which she owned until she retired. Not one to sit idly by after her retirement she would tend her garden in the morning and crochet in the afternoons while listening to her favorite music. Wherever she lived, Esther would walk her neighborhood and make new friends. Her sweet, kind demeanor was infectious and everyone adored her. Esther's pride and joy was her only daughter who she raised as a single parent. She was a kind, devoted, and loving mother.

She is survived by daughter Cynthia Gilbert and son-in-law William Gilbert, sisters Sol Maria Mercado and Alicia Mercado, and brother Jose Mercado. She leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. She will be dearly missed…until we meet again.