Nelly Mercedez (Garcia) Albatrino of San Diego entered eternal peace on August 21st, 2026. Nelly was born in Bellavista, Callao in Peru on October 1, 1939, the first daughter of Juan Pablo Garcia Suarez and Maria Trinidad Melendez y Garcia. She attended local schools in Lima, and was raised in a proud Peruvian family. Nelly was always known as Nell, and was the first from her immediate family to immigrate to the United States in the 1950s after meeting her former husband Ralph Albatrino. She became the matriarch for her siblings Rody and Iris whom also came to the U.S. and joined her in living in Hartford, Connecticut.

Nell found her first calling in Connecticut on the local radio and television scene, working for Spanish language programs on WRYM in Newington and later WHNB-TV/WVIT, channel 30. She hosted Adelante in the early 1970s, the first Spanish language TV news program in Connecticut, and was a frequent face in public affairs in Hartford on behalf of the Spanish-speaking communities. Nell also brought Latin American bands and among the first salsa bands to Hartford. She served as an event coordinator for the 1972 and 1973 Greater Hartford Civic and Arts Festivals in the city. She remained a lifelong supporter of the Arts.

Nell continued her love of media and reporting, graduating from Hunter College in New York and studies at Pace University, continuing her career in the city from the 1970s onward. Nell regarded New York City as her home away from home.

Nell found her true calling in faith and rediscovering God, meeting many angels along the way. She volunteered her services as a believer in many churches, but found most fulfillment in encouraging her family members with strong faith in God. Nell continued this mission in Mexico, and San Diego, California, helping many strangers and friends. She was a member of Koinonia Iglesia Cristiana in Rosarito, MX, where she led Bible studies and mentored women as well as children.

Nell survived a major stroke in 2020 thanks to a guardian angel, her friend and spiritual niece Zaira Espinoza-Mendoza. She was aided at the end of her life by friends in San Diego, Chris Flores and Pastor Juan Flores, who visited Nell regularly in care facilities. Nell was separated by distance from her family members, but her love for all was always felt close.

Nell was predeceased by her parents Juan Pablo and Maria-Trinidad, a brother Rody, a half-sister Zoila and a sister Juana "Rina" Garcia. She is survived by her family in Peru and family in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey including her loving sister Iris (Garcia) Butler and her husband Robert, nieces Michele, Annie, Diane and Jennifer and nephew Robert Butler III, and nieces in Florida and California, Melissa Belmonte and Rina Garcia. Nell loved these children as her own, enjoying her many visits to Hartford with all. She is also survived by many devoted great nieces and nephews. May this lady of unending peace and kindness now forever be with the Lord. We love you Aunt Nell.