Lenora Sabino de Freitas (Mercader)

Lenora Sabino de Freitas (Mercader) of Endicott, NY was welcomed into heaven on February 7th, 2025, at the age of 90. Lenora was born in Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil, the oldest of nine children.

She is predeceased by her parents Dr. Antonio Sabino de Freitas Jr. and Floriscena Sabino de Freitas, husband Elman Mercader Roque and daughter Noemia Mercader. She is survived by her loving children who called her Mãe: Lenora Gaydorus (Glenn) from Endicott, NY, Maritza Mercader-Hughes (Eric Hughes) from Pittsburgh, PA, Marilia Mercader, Luis Mercader (Virginia Piñeiro) from Ambler, PA, Marco Antonio Mercader (Eleni Mantis) from Arlington, VA, Ricardo Mercader (Rosa Rosado) from Kissimmee, FL, and beloved grandchildren who called her Vovó: Andrew Hughes, Thomas Hughes, Kenneth Hughes (Ana Júlia), Addison Heimann, Danielle Sihag (Deepak), Brandon Gaydorus, Daniel Mercader (Courtney Schlusser), Anthony Mercader, Matthew Gaydorus, Alexandra Mercader, Rachel Heimann (Nick Althoff), Jessica Heimann, Zairi Mercader, Nikolas Mercader; and treasured great-grandchildren Maria Luiza Lenora Hughes (Malu) and Miley Addison Heimann-Althoff.  

Lenora had a deep love for Brazil and especially for her family who were always there for her.  She is remembered lovingly by her brothers and their families (Sabino de Freitas): Lucio Claudio (Olga) from São Paulo, Luciano (Lola) from Conceição das Alagoas, and Nelson (Gisele) from São Paulo.  She adored her nieces, nephews, cousins and the entire family.  She is predeceased by her siblings (Sabino de Freitas): Livia, Antonio Neto, Floriscena Maria, Auta Aurea, and Marcio.

Lenora met her husband Elman, an Agronomist and photographer from Arecibo, Puerto Rico, in Pátzcuaro, Mexico. They both received grants from their respective countries to further their studies at the University in Pátzcuaro. They fell in love and got married in Mexico.  Lenora made her own bridal gown and created her own delicious dishes for her wedding.  Later, they lived in Arecibo, Puerto Rico and Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.  

During her 50+ years in Arecibo, Lenora, along with Elman, raised and guided their six children over the years to prepare them for college and the future. She worked at the Colegio San Felipe for 25 years as a French and Manual Arts teacher, beloved by her students who knew her best as “Mrs. Mercader”. After her beloved husband Elman passed away in 1994, Lenora found comfort through art and became an accomplished artist creating hundreds of beautiful paintings of flowers, landscapes and birds of Puerto Rico using primarily acrylics and oils. Her paintings have been displayed at various art festivals over the years. Many family members, including her children, grandchildren, and friends, cherish these paintings at their homes.

Lenora was a member of El Club de Altrusas de Arecibo for many years.  She dedicated her time to projects focused on improving the environment by encouraging local citizens to use organic products for cleaning their homes, therefore avoiding further environmental harm from some commercial cleaning agents.  In addition, Lenora was highly engaged with the Deaf community in Puerto Rico.  She helped her son Ricardo prepare, manage, and seek sponsorships so the team could attend sporting event competitions for the Deaf, locally and abroad. In her later years, Lenora eventually moved to Endicott, NY to be closer to her family. 

Lenora had the gift of always wanting to learn. She proudly studied, learned and was proficient in six languages. She enjoyed cooking and using new recipes for typical Spanish and Brazilian dishes.  She learned how to embroider and created beautiful patterns and baby outfits.  She loved gardening, growing her own herbs for cooking, traveling, reading, as well as frequent family reunion gatherings with all of her children, spouses and grandchildren. She used to say, “We are not in this world just to be happy, but to give happiness.” She gave us lots of happiness and she will be cherished in our hearts forever.

A private service will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the American Red Cross.

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