Lola Mendicino

She left us while sleeping at her daughter’s home in Inverness, FL. She was in her 88th year. Born in Philadelphia, (Germantown) PA, she grew up in an Italian neighborhood. She met her husband Clem Mendicino, on Cosgrove Street where he gave her free ice cream from the Good Humor ice cream truck he drove around her neighborhood in the 1940’s.

She was the beloved mother of son Dino (Dilek) and daughter Lynn, delightful grandmother of Daniella (Dag Are), Christina (Audun), Erik (Ashley), Danielle and Dilara (Paul) and very proud GG of Herman, Mathilde, August and Isak. She was predeceased by her beloved soul mate and husband of 52 years Clem, sister Mary and brother Ronnie.

Lola lived a full and exuberant life and served many roles as a woman of her time. She was a devoted wife and business partner to Clem and a wonderful mother and homemaker, where she and Clem raised their family and established roots in Lantana, FL. in the early 1950’s. She served her community for the majority of her adult life in some capacity, including but not limited to, as secretary-treasurer of the Palm Beach County Restaurant Association, as a faithful long-standing member of the Lantana Lions Club and as a volunteer for the Junior Diabetes Association.

Lola’s most treasured and immeasurable quality, however, was her gift of friendship and hospitality. Her heart and her home were always open to friends and family. She loved to cook and entertain and many a great meal, hearty conversation, fun times and family and social gatherings took place in her home, in both Pennsylvania, where she and Clem spent every summer after retirement, and in Florida. Her door was always open. She provided a comfortable, inviting atmosphere in her home that served as a haven for friends to gather at all times of the day. In Murray Hills, where she and Clem lived their last years, together at first, and where she spent the past 10 years as a widow, she gathered many new friends while she also maintained the deep, rich, lifelong friendships from previous years. It was recently said of her: “Lola always treated me better than my own mother. There are literally 100's of memories of all the wonderful food she lovingly prepared for friends and family. She was the most wonderful and loving woman that I ever knew in my life and I miss her dearly”.

As you can see, anyone whose path crossed hers, from her son’s and daughter’s childhood friends, to her grandchildren, in-laws, friends (new or old), friends of friends, families of friends…etc, were impacted in a positive way by Lola. Eleanor Roosevelt once said “Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart”. Lola was the definition of a true friend. She cherished her friends and family deeply and there is no doubt that she will be profoundly missed by the many who have been left with her footprints deeply embedded in their hearts.

A celebration of Lola’s life is to be planned at a later date, due to the ongoing global pandemic. Please do not send gifts or flowers, just prayers for those left behind who miss her dearly. You may send cards or condolences, if you wish, to Lola Mendicino, 9721 E. Regency Row, Inverness, FL 34450.