Marie Iavarone

Marie Iavarone (Caricone), 94, of Marco Island, FL passed away Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at home surrounded by family. Marie was born on September 5, 1930, grew up in Gramercy Park in New York City, NY, and was raised by her beloved paternal grandmother and Aunts, Mary and Faye. During her early years, she attended Cathedral High School in Manhattan, after which, atypical of her generation, she earned degrees from Marymount College in Tarrytown, NY, and Fordham University in Bronx, NY.

During these years, she enjoyed music and many different sports. She even won many trophies and medals at Camp Sunset in upstate NY.

1956 was the year she met her beloved husband, Guido, after being introduced by mutual friends in Manhattan. Although pre-deceased in death by him, the two enjoyed 66 years together and raised their four daughters.

Marie is survived by her four daughters Cynthia Donegan, Gail Helfrick (Roy), Alison Iavarone, and Jennifer Iavarone (Ed d’Alessandro) and 3 granddaughters Courtney Cecchini (Kevin), Caroline Kupp (Christopher), and Alegra d’Alessandro.

By profession she worked as a pre-K teacher at The Asbury School in Tuckahoe, NY for 25 years. Her love of music lent itself to being named the Director of the Music Program until retirement.

Marie raised her family in Yonkers, NY and moved to Hamilton, NJ following her retirement. Many summers were spent in Shelter Island, NY with lifelong friends. She and Guido were snowbirds in Marco Island for 20 years until they settled permanently in Marco Island in 2020.

Throughout her life, she enjoyed listening to music, watching sports, and doing water aerobics. One of her most treasured events was attending breakfast with her friends weekly, which they jokingly referred to as “Mental Health Monday”. She could often be seen exercising at the condo pool where she resided until her death.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marie’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

A Visitation Service will be held on Tuesday, December 17th from 9:00-11:00 am at Hodges-Josberger Funeral Home, 577 E. Elkcam Circle, Marco Island, FL 34145. A Funeral Mass will follow at 12:00 at San Marco Catholic Church, 851 San Marco Rd, Marco Island, FL.