Elizabeth A. Mendola

October 25, 2011, beloved wife of Frank J Mendola; devoted mother of Joseph and Frank; loved daughter of the late Richard and Maryanne (nee Nelligan) Morse and cherished stepdaughter of the late Jane(nee Schmitt) Morse,dear sister of Mary Claire (James) May, Richard (Betsy) and Robert (Mary Beth) Morse; cherished aunt of many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Saturday Nov 19, 2011 9-10 AM at the DENGLER ROBERTS, PERNA FUNERAL HOME 8630 Transit Rd. East Amherst where services will be held following visitation at 10AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Lizzie’s name to Community Hospice 904-886-3883.

Elizabeth “Lizzie” Morse Mendola died October 25, 2011 after a short illness. She and her husband Frank are the former owners of the Hamburg Steak House and Village Grill in Hamburg New York.

Born in Buffalo New York in 1955, Lizzie grew up on Ivyhurst Road in Amherst, graduating from St. Benedict’s grammar school in 1969 and from Amherst High School in 1973. She began her career in the restaurant business in the mid 70’s at The Steak House in Batavia New York. In 1979 she and her husband Frank bought the former Gabriel’s Gate in the village of Hamburg and opened the Hamburg Steak House. After leaving the restaurant business, Lizzie began a career with Sodexo Marriott, managing the food service for several schools, including Elmwood Franklin School and the Iroquois School District.

Lizzie was a talented event planner and a skilled manager. Throughout her life she followed her passion for the food service industry and trained extensively on food safety and nutrition. She demonstrated tremendous care and concern in her work. Her efforts ensured high standards were met in providing nutritious and safe meals to the many children served in the cafeterias she managed. These skills served her well in her personal life. She was a gracious host at her home in Hamburg where friends and family enjoyed countless gatherings and celebrations. Lizzie’s kindness, generosity and sense of humor will be sorely missed.

She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Frank J Mendola, and her two sons Joseph and Frank. Services will be held Saturday November 19, 2011 at 10AM at the Dengler, Roberts, Perna Funeral Home 8630 Transit Road East Amherst.