Lucille Theresa Mercadante
On Thursday, April 27, 2017, the spirit and soul of Lucille Theresa Mercadante passed from this world, leaving those who loved her with precious and cherished memories.
Lucille was born on October 30, 1925 in Mt. Vernon, New York, the second child of Nicholas and Josephine Mercadante. Being a child of the “Great Depression” era, she learned at an early age the value of education and a strong work ethic.
Lucille earned her diploma in nursing from Mt. Vernon Hospital School of Nursing. She went on to earn both her bachelor’s and master’s degree from Columbia University, and her doctorate from Nova University.
Lucille’s education prepared her for a long and prestigious career as a Nurse Executive. Highlights of her career include serving as Assistant Dean and Assistant Professor at the University of Florida, Director of Nursing at Shands Teaching Hospital; appointee to the VA Advisory Council on Nursing Services; VP for Nursing Services Mt. Siani Hospital Miami; Professor and Consultant for the Rockefeller Foundation with appointments in Brooklyn, New York, and Colombia, South America ; Professor and Director of Graduate Program in Nursing Barry University; author of numerous professional nursing articles; and consultant for the establishment of Medicare guidelines at the program’s inception.
Outside of her nursing career, Lucille embraced family and travel. She loved hosting family dinners and she embraced the opportunity for a good political debate.
“Lucy” is survived by her companion of over 50 years, Zulema Plata; her nephew Stephen (Lynne) Mercadante, niece Patricia Duncan (Glenn), grand-nephews Joseph (Katie) and Michael (Krissy) Mercadante, grand-nieces Elissa (Larry) Weixel, and Amanda Duncan, and great-grand nephews Roman and Canaan Mercadante.
Lucille’s wish was to pass gently at home, surrounded by those people and things that brought her comfort and peace. A special thanks to Kathleen Mercer and Breanna Driggers for helping us grant her final wishes.
Services for Lucille will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 6, at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Gainesville, Florida, the Reverend Father Jeffrey McGowan, presiding. Interment will take place following services at Forest Meadows Memorial Park-West. Arrangements are under the care of Forest Meadows Funeral Home, Gainesville, Fl.
