Mercedes Heard

GENEVA - Mercedes Heard, 89, of Geneva, N.Y., passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025.

Mercedes was born on April 3, 1936 in Manhattan, N.Y., the daughter of the late Richardo and Elisa (Sanchez) Salvador. Mercedes married the late Bruce Kennerly at age 19 and they moved to Queens, N.Y. where they raised their son and daughter. She began her working career in various roles in the banking industry at Citibank and later working in accounting at Queens College. Guided by a calling to help others, she pursed a degree in nursing at SUNY Delhi. She began her nursing career at the Ulster County Infirmary, and later served as a Charge nurse at Kingston Hospital in the Medical-Surgical Unit. In 1990 she relocated to Geneva, N.Y. to be near her daughter and granddaughter. She continued her service to others as a charge Nurse at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Canandaigua, N.Y.

Following her retirement for the VA, Mercedes dedicated herself to community service. She volunteered with the Geneva Head Start program, and worked with the Geneva Agri-business program. For over 13 years she served as the Assistant Director of the Trinity Church After-School Tutoring Program, where she helped improve academically and gain confidence in their ability to succeed. Her care and encouragement left a lasting impact on multiple young lives.

Outside of her work and volunteer service, Mercedes enjoyed many hobbies. She was an avid reader, and enjoyed painting, knitting, and cooking. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her granddaughter and in later years her great-grandchildren.

Mercedes was predeceased by her son, Paul Kennerly; her former spouse and life long companion, Bruce Kennerly; her sister, Mildred Gragasin (Joseph); and her parents, Elisa and Richardo Salvador, and Creed and Marguerite Upshur. She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen Kennerly Carney; granddaughter, Erinne (Zechariah) Kennerly Tate; three great-grandchildren, Perenelle, Hezekiah, and Nehemiah; brothers, David Salvador and Raoul (Gail) Holly; sisters, Diana (Mark) Ferman, Connie (Kirel) Rieger, and Loundy (Larry) Lassiter; sister-in law, Bettina Willis, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Mercedes will be remembered for her kindness, sense of humor, dedication, and love for family.

A special thank-you to the nurses and aides at the Geneva Living Center South.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Geneva Public Library, 244 Main Street, Geneva, N.Y., on Saturday, September 6, at 2:30 p.m.