Maria Mercedes Iglesias

Maria Mercedes Martinez Castro de Iglesias, 86, was born, September 24, 1939 in Oriente, Cuba, to Rafael Martinez and Juana Castro. She passed away, Sunday, May 10, 2026 at home in Boyd.

Maria was an only child growing up in a small mountainous region on her parents’ ranch. Maria often shared stories of hiking into the mountains with her grandmother as a young girl.

After graduating from high school, she moved to Havana to study fashion design, where she earned her degree. While living in Havana, she met her husband Luis.

As the political climate in Cuba shifted, they legally immigrated to the United States with political asylum. Maria and Luis carried with them their eight children and would welcome their ninth months after arriving.

Later in life, Maria lovingly embraced nine additional children she always claimed and did not differentiate from her own, while also helping raise two of her grandchildren. She is survived by her children Luis Rafael, Juana Dignora, Leonardo, Jorge Luis, Luisa Marie, Jesus, Mercedes John Luis, Amber Danae, Jesse Martinez, Sirilo Corey, Blanca Rosa, Jesusita, Luis Jr, Estrella Clara, Edward Luis and Bella Primavera.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Luis; and children, Luis Alberto, Luis Ray and Eva Luisa.

Courage is woven into the legacy of love she has left behind as he proud matriarch of a growing family spanning multiple generations, including grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will be held by the family at a later date to be determined. Please check back for updated service information.