Nelly Mercedes Mora Rodriguez

Nelly Mercedes Mora Rodriguez, age 70, of Chicago, passed away peacefully on the evening of Saturday, July 18, 2026 with her loving son, Jose, and her daughter-in-law, Stephanie, at her side. Nelly was born on September 25, 1955, the daughter of the late Fernanda (Rodriguez) and Pastor Mora. Born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, Nelly was an avid lover of music, dance, and the vocational arts. She worked as a seamstress during the time she welcomed her oldest son, Jose, into this world.

Nelly was a brave, loving, and hard-working woman. She made her way to Joliet, IL nearly 39 years ago and settled in the Cathedral area. There she gave birth to her youngest son, George, and became an active member of the St. Raymond Nonnatus community. Nelly raised her sons imparting her love of music, knowledge, and adventure. With her strength and dedication, and the support of the Joliet community, she enabled her sons to excel in many areas, with both being named ‘Mr. J’ at Joliet Central High School during their senior year and both eventually graduating from Ivy League universities (Yale and Dartmouth).

Nelly loved long walks in nature, with Pilcher Park and Lake Michigan being two of her favorite destinations. She also loved music and went to many concerts with her sons. She also loved to celebrate her birthday at White Sox games. Later in life, Nelly loved to travel with one of her favorite memories being a trip to San Francisco and Lake Tahoe in 2012. Though she had a difficult health journey, including beating cancer in 2004 with the day-to-day care and support of her son, George, she grew more peaceful in her last few years. She adored her grand-puppy, Nala, and loved walks and visits with her. She also departed this earth with words of love, wisdom and support for her sons that she loved dearly.

Nelly is survived by her children, George and Jose (Stephanie); her siblings, Flor Marina Mora, Blanca (Wim) Mora, Ismael (Leonor) Mora, Carmenza (Carlos) Matallana, Hector Mora. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who will dearly miss her. She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Jairo (Saida) Mora.

Visitation services will be held at 8:00 am, on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Tezak Funeral Home (1211 Plainfield Rd, Joliet, IL 60435), followed by a memorial mass at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus (604 N Raynor Ave, Joliet, IL 60435) at 10:00 am. with burial to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park (23060 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60431) 

For more information, please call 815-722-0524 or visit her Memorial Tribute at https://www.tezakfuneralhome.com/, where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.