Mercedes Mora Gonzalez

Mercedes Mora- September 1, 1968 – September 18, 2022

Kansas City, Missouri Mercedes Mora Gonzalez passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends in North Kansas City, Missouri on September 18, 2022. She was 54 years old. Mercedes was born September 1, 1968, in Santiago Tangamandapio, Michoacan Mexico to Mercedes (Gonzalez) Mora & Rafael Mora. She was the second of five children. Raised in the Catholic faith she graduated from Westport Sr. High School. Although Mercedes was raised in Kansas City, Missouri she was intensely proud of her Mexican heritage. Very popular in high school, she was a cheerleader and a member of ROTC. An excellent student graduating high school a year early. Received her bachelor's degree in Accounting in Zamora, Michoacan, Mexico. She moved back to Kansas City where she met and married the love of her life Jorge Alberto Sanchez of Pachuca, Mexico. They focused on raising their two children. She lived a life dedicated to her family and community. She was an Honorary Chef. She loved to cook for anyone and great at throwing parties. She was truly a happy warrior, always putting a smile on and powering through whatever challenge life put in her way. She loved to travel, she loved to paint and decorate, she was a true artist at heart! Throughout her life, Mercedes was well-liked by everyone she met and the life of the party. Her laughter was contagious. She knew how to make everyone feel welcomed and loved. She was not a morning person at least not until she had her morning coffee, but then she was ready for the day giving it everything she had. Mercedes was an extremely hard worker. She never forgot the words her Abuelito always said to her growing up, “Ni que no fueras Mora.” Those words from her Abuelito got her through each day until she took her last breath. Mercedes is survived by her husband Jorge Alberto Sanchez, her two children, Aracely Sanchez Arevalo (Mario) & Alberto Ivan Sanchez (Mercedes). In addition, she is survived by her two granddaughters Micely and Celyna. Her beloved sisters and brother Concepcion Mora Sanchez (Pedro), Areli Mora Lea (Jeff), Alejandra Mora, Cristo Rafael Mora (Amanda) and an abundance of family and friends. Mercedes Mora dedicated over 32 years of service to Guadalupe Centers and during that time profoundly touched many lives throughout the communities she served. During her tenure, she was asked to “wear many different hats” and willingly accepted the challenge of assuming different roles and responsibilities to support the organization’s mission of Improving the quality of life for all. Most recently, her position with the organization was Clinical Supervisor, Certified Reciprocal Alcohol Drug Counselor, CRADC for Guadalupe’s Substance Use Treatment Program. This program is one of a few bilingual programs in the area certified by the State of Missouri Department of Mental Health/Division of Behavioral Health as an outpatient treatment program. Mercedes was a pillar of this program, and her significant contributions have supported its success ensuring that services were accessible to those most vulnerable in the community. Mercedes was not only a beloved colleague and friend, but also a true advocate and champion for the Latino communities of greater Kansas City. Mercedes was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church and a Guadalupana with Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine (Westside). Mercedes, you lit up the room with your smile and illuminated the world with your heart. You will forever shine!