Merida L. Pinzon

Merida “Mery” Leticia Pinzon, a beloved resident of Gasport, New York, peacefully departed this life in her sleep at the age of 88. Born in the town of Dolega, Province of Chiriqui, Panama, she embraced her new home in the United States with open arms, becoming an integral part of her community for nearly seven decades.


Merida dedicated over three decades of her life to Harrison’s Radiator Division, where she was an esteemed employee until her retirement. A proud member of the Local United Auto Workers 686, she tirelessly advocated for women’s rights, representing CLUW and the woman’s committee in conferences across the nation.

Her unwavering faith sustained her, as she prayed devotedly for her distant family each day. Merida found joy in the simple pleasures of life, indulging in her passion for reading, crocheting, and golfing. In recent years, she delighted in crafting keepsake blankets for her great-grandchildren, ensuring they felt her love even from afar.

Merida was the 11th of 12 siblings and the devoted mother of five children. She was preceded in death by her parents, Generoso and Gumersinda Rodriguez, her former husband, Ricardo Pinzon Sr., her daughter Judith, son Robert and lifelong partner Donald Entwistle. She is survived by her siblings Rebecca Rodriguez Nagakane, Antonio Rodriguez, and Ruben Rodriguez, all of Panama; her three children, Ricardo (Cynthia) Pinzon, Jr. of Stafford, Virginia; Cynthia Ewing (Seth Rochford) of Morrisville, New York; Paul Entwistle (Karen Nelson) of Newfane, New York, grandchildren Ricardo III, Christopher, Matthew, Jessica, Anthony, Elizabeth, Ashley, and Corey. Additionally, she leaves fourteen great-grandchildren, beloved former son-in-law Phil Ewing, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and treasured friends.


Merida cherished the close-knit bonds she forged with her Gasport community, finding solace and joy in the company of treasured friends. Her life was a testament to the American Dream, a journey marked by resilience, compassion, and unwavering love for family and community. Though she may have left this world, her spirit and legacy will endure in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.


Family will receive friends at the Sherrie Bream Funeral Home 4521 Main St. Gasport on Monday April 15, from 4:00-7:00pm. Merida’s Funeral Service will be held at the Sherrie Bream Funeral Home on Tuesday April 16, at 11:00am. Interment will follow at Royalton Mt. Ridge Cemetery.

Donations to St. Jude Children's Hospital and Niagara Hospice 4675 Sunset Dr. Lockport, NY 14094, are appreciated in lieu of flowers.

To share a special memory of Merida, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com