We are grieved to note that Mercedes Iannone passed on April 1, 2021. Her obituary reads as follows:
Mercedes R. Iannone, age 83 of Hollywood, died peacefully at her home on Thursday, April 1, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. She will be remembered most for her unwavering faith, generous heart, and love of her husband, two daughters, five grandchildren, nieces, nephews, students and friends.
Mercedes was born August 23, 1937 in Pittsburgh, PA to Mercedes and John Rodgers. Along with her sisters Frances and Anne and brother Jack, she enjoyed a childhood rooted in the love, faith and traditions of their parents and their large Irish family.
She is survived by her husband Joseph A. Iannone. Their deep love and partnership throughout nearly 50 years of marriage is an inspiration to their family, friends and all who know them.
Mercedes’ greatest joy was her family. In addition to her husband, Mercedes is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law: Katherine M. and Matthew D. Hagood of Plantation, FL and Amy I. and James M. Tierney of Melrose, MA; and, her beloved grandchildren: Joey and Delaney Hagood, and Michael, Jack and Ryan Tierney. She was happiest shopping with her daughters and making pizza with her grandkids.
Mercedes was a pioneer as a religious educator. She proudly built lifelong relationships with her students and colleagues. Mercedes received her B.A. from Ohio Dominican University, her M.A. from Duquesne University, and her Masters in Marriage and Family Counseling from St. Thomas University. As a member of the Dominican Order, she began her career teaching in high schools in various parts of the country. In 1971, she married Joe. Soon thereafter, she earned her Doctorate of Ministry from St. Mary’s Seminary & University while working at Good Shepard Parish in Mount Vernon, VA and raising two young daughters. In 1982, Mercedes and Joe moved their family to South Florida. There she thrived as a professor and a leader of the Institute of Pastoral Ministries at St. Thomas University. As a frequent speaker and instructor at schools and programs across the country, Mercedes’ impact extends far beyond St. Thomas and South Florida. She retired from St. Thomas in 2013, but remained active in several organizations and continued to mentor many former students.
A private funeral service has been held. A celebration of Mercedes’ life will be held at a later date when her family and friends can gather together safely.
Memorials can be made in her honor to a cause she supported from its inception, the Atelye Thevenet Woman’s Artisan Cooperative in Miami’s sister-diocese of Port-de Paix, Haiti. Visit https://www.atelyethevenet.com/donate.