Tributes

Iris Raquel Rodriguez Mejia, a beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend, passed away suddenly on August 31, 2025, at the age of 56. Iris brought warmth, joy, and strength into the lives of all who knew her. Iris was born on February 21, 1969 in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. As a child, she lived in Washington Heights, New York City, and Lawrence, MA. Iris graduated from Lawrence High School in 1987. She loved to break dance and was affectionately apart of the Fearless Females Group with her best friends. Academically, she followed in her Mother’s footsteps and continued her education to obtain her Cosmetology License from Blaine Beauty School. During that time Iris fell in love and married Francisco Mejia and together they had four beautiful children. Her cosmetology career and salon entrepreneurship spanned more than 26 years. She was not only a gifted stylist but also a Matrix Artistic Educator, using her talents to inspire and teach others in the industry. Most recently, she was launching ACT Beauty Academy—a dream she was turning into reality—to mentor cosmetologists and help them grow professionally. Throughout her career, she touched the lives of thousands through hair shows, salon education, and one-on-one connections. But her work went far beyond hair. She dedicated her life to making others feel beautiful both inside and out. Her salon was more than just a business; it was a place where she lifted spirits, offered a listening ear, and formed lifelong friendships. Iris was a woman of faith, always serving others as an example of God’s mercy and love. She was a loving matriarch to her family, especially her grandchildren. Iris loved the Lord and left a legacy of love and service that transformed lives for the glory of God. She was a member of Awake Florida Church for many years. Iris was a generous giver—of her time, her love, and her very self. She was always looking for ways to bless others, often going out of her way to make someone feel seen, valued, and cared for. Whether you walked into her home or her salon, you never left empty-handed. You left with a deposit of her kindness, her joy, and her unmistakable generosity. When Legacy Life Church organized a missions trip to South Africa, Iris didn’t hesitate to support the cause. She hosted a "Missions Spa" event at her salon, raising funds by offering gift certificates that never expired. Her creativity and compassion helped make that trip possible— this was just one example of the many ways she made a difference in people’s lives. Iris lived with open hands and an open heart— always showing up and always giving where she could. She leaves behind a powerful legacy of love, faithfulness, and service to the Lord—a legacy that lives on in everyone she touched. Iris was preceded in death by her husband Francisco, her father Antonio Torres, and her grandparents Vidal Gil and Nicasia Gil. She is survived by her loving mother, Milagros Martinez; her children, Joel Mejia, Ariel Mejia, Nikaisis Mejia, and Nigel Mejia; her siblings, Brenda Torres, Henry Torres, and Niurca Zapete; and her cherished grandchildren, Jianna, Alianna, Jasiris, Callista, Jaylen, Enzo, and Nova. She also leaves behind many dear friends and extended family who will miss her deeply.? Iris was a radiant presence. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the love she gave, and the strength she inspired in those around her. May she rest in peace. Family, friends, clients, and all who knew Iris are welcome to come together, celebrate her life at Good Life Funeral Home 8408 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando FL 32817, from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm and pay their respects to her beloved family. Religious Funeral Service will start at 2:00 pm.

Tributes

Iris Rodriguez Mejia

February 21, 1969 - August 31, 2025