Anita Mercado Carlos

Anita Mercado Carlos, 69, passed away on September 13, 2021, after battling stage 4 breast cancer. She was born on May 18, 1952, the 6th child to Jose & Ester Mercado, in Mabalacat, Pampanga, Philippines. She was best known by her nickname, "Pretty". She immigrated to the US in 1979, then later returned to the Philippines to marry her lifetime partner Orlando Carlos in 1981. They lived their married life in Maryland, USA and grew their family with twin boys Chadd & Chase on September 10, 1987. Always the life of the party, she enjoyed dancing and singing karaoke. After her retirement in 2014, she enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends from all over the country, whether she went to see them, or they came to see her. She looked forward to family day trips to pick apples in the fall. Her day was not complete without talking to each of her siblings every evening—not together, but one at a time. In November of 2015, during a trip to visit family in California, she was hospitalized and immediately sent back home where she began her five-and-a-half-year battle with breast cancer. She remained strong throughout the years, not a complaint about pain. Some even told her that she did not look sick. Anita loved and cared for her sons and was able to witness both become husbands and parents themselves. She took on the role of Lola to Mikhaila Joy and Ellaiza Rae the moment she met them. When Jayden Andrew joined the family in March 2018, followed by Camilla Anne in January 2020, her will to fight her illness grew even stronger. She was always proud to be able to watch her grandchildren despite her illness. Anita’s humor, kindness, and selfless personality will be remembered by all. We will forever love and miss you Mom, Apu/Lola, Aunty, and sister Pretty. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Anita Mercado Carlos please visit our Sympathy Store.