María Mercedes Villa, (nee Agrelo) passed away on April 4, 2022. She was 73. María, also affectionately called Mercedes,
was generous of spirit and action. She had a deep faith and lived a life of service. She loved to take care of those around her, whether it was cooking for an army, or driving her friends home after getting their hair done. Born in Rianxo, a small town in Galicia, Spain, her adventurous spirit brought her to the United States in her early twenties. She then met her beloved husband of 40 years, Carlos, with whom she settled in Kearny for the remainder of their lives.
She was daughter of the late Santiago Agrelo and Teresa Martinez, and daughter-in-law of the Late Juan and Esperanza Villa. María was the mother of Teresa Sachs (Neil) and Rick Villa (Kristen Mount), and grandmother of Olivia, Emily, Andrew, Payton, Austin, and Kamryn. She is survived by her siblings, Archbishop Santiago Agrelo who will be celebrating the funeral mass, Rita Agrelo (Francisco), Manolo Agrelo( Margarita), Isaura Agrelo (Manolo), Isabel Agrelo (Alfonso) and Javier Agrelo (María Dolores). She was also sister-in-law of Juan Villa (Rose), the late José Ramón Villa, José Manuel Villa (Maruja), the late José Villa and Maria Esperanza Villa. She also loved and was loved by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements are by The Armitage Wiggins Funeral Home in Kearny with visitation from 3 to 7. on Wednesday Mass will be celebrated on Thursday April 7, 2022 at 10 a.m. at St. Cecilia’s Church and she will be entombed at the Mausoleum in Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers kindly consider a donation to St. Cecilia’s food pantry.