Mercedes, of Farmington Hills, a beloved sister, and aunt, passed into eternal life on Thursday afternoon, February 2, 2023, She was 86 and a resident of Beaumont Commons since 2017.

Mercedes was born March 31, 1936, in Manila, Phillippines, to the late Antonio and Juliana (Bambao) Abinoja.  She graduated from the Philippine Normal College in 1956 and was a home economics teacher in the Philippines for a number of years.  Following her retirement from teaching, Mercedes moved to Michigan and became a US citizen.  While in the United States, she enjoyed her role as a part-time daycare instructor and a part-time cook at the Marian Oakland West retirement community in Farmington Hills.

She was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Parish in Farmington Hills until its closure and then attended weekend and daily masses at the Monastery of the Blessed Sacrament.  She was a very spiritual person who led daily family prayers in Spanish, Filipino, and English languages.  She enjoyed nurturing a variety of potted plants that she moved inside and out depending on the Michigan weather.  Mercedes' needlework projects are proudly framed and hung in the homes of relatives.  She enjoyed lunches at Olive Garden and Red Lobster as well as concerts at Nardin Park with friends from Marian Oakland West.  Moreover, she treasured her family get-togethers for holidays, graduations, birthdays, and other celebrations.  Her travels were extensive and included Hawaii, Alaska, New York, Florida, Mexico, Canada, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Australia, the Holy Land, and back home to visit the Philippines.  May her kind and generous soul rest in peace.

Mercedes was the beloved sister of the Late Antonio (late Ana) Abinoja, the late Jose (Marcela) Abinoja, the late Manuel (Carmen) Abinoja, the late Adoracion (Daniel) Macuha, the late Conrado (Virginia) Abinoja, Amado (Teresita) Abinoja, the late Remedios (Antonio) Yu, Dr. Patricia (late Rodolfo) Mercader, and Trinidad (late Daniel) Turse.  She is also survived by cousins, nieces and nephews, grandnieces and nephews, and one great-grandniece.

A funeral mass for Mercedes will be celebrated Friday morning, February 10, at 10:00 am (in state 9:30 am) at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 23615 Power Rd., Farmington.  Father Walter Ptak will preside.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Monastery of the Blessed Sacrament, Farmington Hills.