Mercedes Bernal, age 91, of Hammond, IN and East Chicago, IN, passed away with her loving family by her side on Thursday evening, August 24, 2017, after losing her struggle to cancer after nine years. She was born to Jesus Antonio and Luz (Ojeda) Perez on September 24, 1925 in Dallas, TX. Mercedes married Julio O. Bernal in November of 1947 whom preceded her death. She is survived by her children: Julio (Laurie) Bernal, Jr. and Cynthia (Raul) Silva; grandchildren: Yvonne Varela, Veronica Silva (Alex) Rankovich and David J. (Patricia) Bernal; great-grandchildren: Felix, Adrian, Diego, Aaliyah, D. J., Audryana, Nickolas and Mathias; siblings: Frank Perez, Sam Perez, Joaquin "John"Perez and Mary (Manuel) Fernandez; sisters-in-law: Romie Perez, Matiana Luna and Elisa B. Sanchez; many other nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. Preceded in death by her loving husband of over 60 years, Julio O. Bernal; parents, Jesus Antonio and Luz Perez; parents-in-law, Aucensio and Dolores Bernal; sister, Elodia Ortiz and her husband Tony; brothers: Hipolito "Poli" Perez, Gonzalo "Charlie"Perez and Jesse Perez; sisters-in-law: Amelia Salinas Porras, Sue Perez and Millie Perez; brother-in-law, Florencio Sanchez. Mercedes was a devoted mother, wife, daughter and sister. She was a homemaker and a faithful member of the Jehovah Witnesses where she was baptized in 1968. Her hope is to live in promised paradise earth. "And He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more. Neither will mourning or outcry or pain be any more. The former things have passed away." Rev. 21:4. Visitation will be Friday, September 1, 2017 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. with Funeral Services to follow at 11:30 a.m. both services will be at the RIDGELAWN FUNERAL HOME, 4201 West Ridge Road, Gary, IN.