I grew up in Highland Park New Jersey. Last night I had a dream about Senora Ippolito. I was late for her class. She was initially angry with me but then said "Don't worry Juan, you can catch up." Of course I Googled her suspecting she had passed away and am delighted to see she appears to have had a wonderful well deserved life. In addition to her remarkable teaching, I remember her as an early feminist, before that term was even a word. I recall her saying on multiple times in the mid-1060s, "I can do anything a man can do, only better." Her class remains a treasured memory.

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Señora Ippolito.  My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. She was such an incredible person, teacher, adviser, such a light in this world.  Always colorful and memorable.  Her name and her memories always seemed to come up in conversations..even years after graduating.  To this day, I hear her voice in my head when I speak in Spanish.  She was an incredible teacher.

Mena was a dear friend since I was in my teens.  She was fearless and compassionate.  She was remarkable.  She was special.  My family and I mourn her deeply.  
Sydney Blake
Norm Coker
Amanda Coker
Maria Andreani

I miss you already, Mena.  You were such a dear friend and an inspiration to all who knew you.  I will miss your vibrant spirit and your joy of life. Many fond memories of our friendship are stored in my heart.  God's blessings be upon you and your family.

Mena Ippolito brought such commitment and joy to the Buckley School community. I always felt uplifted by her insights and her radiant smile.  A beautiful, warm, wonderful woman ~ truly a light of the world.  Midsummer blessings and peace, Ann M. Thurber

Señora Ippolito, a beautiful human being and educator. Of my memories of high school and my time spent at the Buckley school, there are many lovely memories spent in her Spanish classroom. She shall be missed and remembered fondly.

"Señora", 
You were one of my very favorite teachers, and you made me feel like one of your favorites, though I'm sure we all felt that way. I still remember funny ways you used to help us remember things in class. (Don't "piscina" pool!) My son will begin taking Spanish this fall, and I hope he is lucky enough to have a teacher who is half as good as you were. And, you introduced me to Sabrina. We visited each other both here and in Italy, and she is still my friend today. I have thought of you often over the years, and I will think of you with fondness always. Thank you for everything. Sending my love to your family.

Smiling, upbeat, joyful, and one who embraced life to its fullest---that was Mena.  She brought so much to the Buckley community.  Our lives are richer for knowing her.

Our hearts reach out to Mena's family and all who knew her. She was a positive and caring colleague whose influence on younger teachers was one of the greatest gifts that the Buckley community provided.

Mena filled the world with her vitality, bringing passion to her teaching and offering camaraderie to her colleagues.  I was fortunate to have worked with her.

Carole and I ask that God bestow strength and peace to Carlo and Marco as they mourn the loss of Mena, our cherished friend.

Bob and Carole Caccavo

Thoughts and prayers are with the family. Mena was one of Buckley's finest and a wonderful person.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mena.  Dina & Howard wishing we could be with you at this time.  Love, Glenn & Leslie

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Beautiful Mena your jokes and your laughter will be missed!!!   Thank you for being a part of my life.    To Carlo and Marco my deepest condolenses on your loss.   May light perpetual shine upon Mena and may your memories of her keep you smiling!   She was one of kind!   Lots of love Jo Amato Laslo and family.  xxoo

In memory of my dear, dear friend and mentor, Mena. You made my life so much better as you did for all who knew you. I will never forget you!  Sending our deepest sympathy to Carlo and Marc. With our love,
Luann (Chuli) and Dan

OBITUARY

Mena Ippolito

21 October, 1932 – 19 July, 2015

Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park, Mortuary & Crematory

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