Mercedes Yunker Tafelski, devoted mother of four, grandmother of 16, great-grandmother of 20 and friend to all so many, passed away in Largo, Florida on Sunday, November 1, 2020 surrounded by her children, Tom, Ed, June and Greg along with their spouses, then joined by many of her grandchildren.
She was born July11, 1926 in Pittsburgh, PA, the 4th of 5 children. She lost her mother at a young age and ended up taking on many responsibilities for the family. She was a devoted Catholic all of her life, loved to attend church, enjoyed so much to visit with her church friends and lived her faith in every way.
Mercedes was 4’11” tall on a really good day, but her love far exceeded her height every day. She loved big. She loved loud. She loved on purpose. She taught that type of love to all who encountered her - especially her family. She loved and treasured her family and embraced the times she had with them. Her children made her heart skip a beat. Her grandchildren took her breath away. There were always toys in the hallway closet for the littlest grandkids and a drawer of makeup in the spare bedroom for the many granddaughters. She loved her son & daughters-in-law just as much. She taught everyone that once a son/daughter, always a son/daughter. Once a member of her family, always a member of her family. Always unconditional love. No matter the circumstance. She showed how to continue when life has turned your world upside down. She showed how love never fails, for she lived it.
She loved babies; she was so good with them. She loved people - the more the merrier. She welcomed everyone into her home and her life. She knew no stranger and greeted every person with a giant hug (and usually snuck a kiss in there, too). She was able to see the heart of a person and made everyone feel so special. She possessed a contagious laughter, was very sparkly, very accessorized, loved her gold or silver shoes and was perpetually adorned with jewelry. Always looked forward to meeting up with her Red Hat ladies and her book club friends for get-togethers. She really looked forward to her regular meet ups with all of her Applebee’s friends. She loved a good party, and managed to become the life of most of them – always a firecracker - simply because of her wonderful energy. She could dance the night away. She loved life and that was clear to all. She was a hard worker - raised 4 kids, always there for her grandkids, her home was immaculate, enjoyed baking, worked at Maas Brothers/Macy’s, MAC, Godiva Chocolates and spent her evenings making homemade chocolates well into her 90s.
Mercedes, our mom and grandma was one-of-a-kind. She had an everlasting impact on all of us, as well as, most of those she met. She will be sadly missed and will be lovingly remembered forever.
A celebration of her life is planned for Friday, November 27, 2020 from 5-8 pm at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home 2853 Sunset Point Rd., Clearwater, FL. Join us to share memories of Mercedes.
A memorial mass is scheduled for 10 am on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church located at 9111 90th Ave. N., Largo, FL 33777. A graveside ceremony will follow at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park located at 2860 Sunset Point Rd., Clearwater, FL 33759
*Masks will be required at all events.
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