Mary Piazza

Mary L. Piazza, 82, of Iola, Kansas, died Monday, March 1, 2010, at the Pinecrest Nursing Home in Humboldt, Kansas. Mary was born on January 15, 1928 in Lincoln, Nebraska, the daughter of William Henry and Ruby (Robinson) Pease. She married Augustine J. Piazza in September, 1946. They had three children and were subsequently divorced. Mary became a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1959 and continued nursing for over 40 years. In 1968 she moved from Nebraska to California, spent one year at a naval nursing outpost in Alaska, and ultimately made her home in Hawaii beginning in 1971, where she resided for over 30 years. Mary came to Iola in 2003, residing at Windsor Place for five years before her move to Humboldt. In addition to being an LPN, Mary graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a degree in Sociology, combining her interest in social work with nursing in volunteer work with a half-way house for troubled teens. She also trained at the University of Honolulu Montessori Teacher Education program to become a Montessori teacher. Mary had a number of interests and avocations. She was an active member of her community in Hawaii, serving as president of the Hawaii Ocean View Estates community center. She was a skilled carpenter and an accomplished seamstress and craftsperson. She loved to sing and sang in numerous choirs and participated in the HOVE Ukelele & Bell ensemble. SURVIVORS: 1 Daughter: Gina & her husband, Anthony Ierulli of New York 1 Son: Tony Piazza & his wife, Terri of Iola, KS 8 Grandchildren: Madeleine, Adrian, Aurora, Angelica, Marissa, Raquel, Alex and Emma 3 Great Grandchildren: Ella, Nikunja and Lara Rose The youngest of nine children, Mary is survived by her brother, G. William (Bill) Pease, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her daughter, Rosanne Joy Piazza. VISITATION: 3:30-5:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. A private memorial celebration of Mary's life will be held by the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary's name can be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org or left with Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left on this website, www.iolafuneral.com .