Josephine "Josie" Mercado Evilla

Josephine “Josie” Mercado Evilla was a caring daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She left this world on Thursday, September 15, 2022.

Josie was born to Jose Austria Mercado and Trinidad Albano Mercado on December 18, 1937 in Vintar Ilocos Norte, Philippines. She was the oldest of five children, including herself, Shirley, Jose Jr, Victory and Don.

After graduating from the University of the East in Manila with a Bachelor of Science in Business Accounting, Josie went on to become an English teacher. Early in her adult life, she met her husband Gonzalo Evilla. Together they had three children - Jesus, Jerry and Ria. In search of a new life, Josie moved her family to the United States in order to give her children a world of opportunities.

Josie’s life in America was blessed with eleven grandchildren - Mali, Geri, Brandon, Jackson, Robert, Alton, Miranda, Theadora, Austin, Jonathan and Arianna. Josie was further blessed with four great grandchildren - Luce, Xander, Maddox and Harper.

Josie had a passion for passing on knowledge, not only as an English teacher but also as a piano teacher, as she loved music. She taught her three children piano and also gave piano lessons to the neighborhood children.

Josie’s love for animals can be seen in the way she cared for pets, her own as well as the neighborhood strays. Just as much care was given to her garden, which she tended to daily.

From everyone whose lives you touched…
We are saddened and heartbroken to see you go.  But we are comforted that you are going home to a place of joy and peace, reunited with your husband Gonzalo who you sorely missed and with your loving parents Jose and Trinidad.

Our love and prayers go with you and your many sweet memories will stay with us until we meet again.

Visitation will be at Cooney Funeral home at 625 Busse Highway in Park Ridge, IL on Monday, September 26th from 3:00pm until 8:00pm. Additional visitation will be on September 27th at 10:00am until 11:00am at the same location. Funeral services will begin at 11:00am. Afterwards, we will proceed to All Saints Cemetery to say our final farewell. For information please call 847-685-1002 or visit www.cooneyfuneralhome.com 

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