ERICA DIANE MERTZ March 31, 1990 – Sept. 15, 2023

Erica Diane Mertz passed away Sept. 15, 2023, in Albuquerque, New Mexico at the age of 33.

Erica was born March 31, 1990 in Augusta, Georgia. She later moved with her family to New Mexico where she attended Los Alamos High School.

For the past two years Erica shared a group home in Belen. Erica had an infectious smile and laugh that she reserved for only the most special moments. Her happy place was in the water, where she felt a sense of freedom from her disability. Erica often expressed herself through movement, from swimming, to bopping to her favorite tunes, going for walks, and enjoying scenic road trips with her family. The family suggests the best way to remember Erica is to enjoy a leisurely swim followed by a bowl of guacamole, two of her favorite things. Erica is remembered for her resilient and tenacious spirit, which she exhibited in the face of many obstacles.

Erica is survived by her parents, Greg and Regina, and her siblings, Kaycee and Alex and a large extended family.

Erica is preceded in death by her grandparents Eugene McMillen, Virginia McMillen, Richard Mertz and Carole Mertz.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to all the caregivers, educators, therapists, medical professionals, friends, and family members who have supported Erica and enriched her life.

A visitation will be held 5-7 p.m., Wednesday Sept. 20, 2023, at Reflections Chapel (2400 Washington St NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disability Rights New Mexico (www.drm.org/donations), a non-profit organization that provided invaluable support to Erica and her family over the years.

For more information, please visit https://www.salazarfunerals.com/obituary/Erica-Mertz.