Wanda Mericle Fiorenza

Wanda Fiorenza died on October 30, 2017 in Beaumont, TX. She spent the final days of her life surrounded by her family and lots of love. Long before Alzheimer’s took over her mind, she got in the habit of writing down her thoughts and memories to share with us. So we will now proceed not only with our words, but with her own: Wanda was born in Fort Worth to Herschel and Ruby Conner Mericle on October 2, 1931. She married James Fiorenza, September 30, 1956.  She was preceded in death by James, her parents, and Sam “Boo” Serio – her best friend and companion of 29 years. She is survived by her children, Jim Fiorenza, Mike and Cassie Fiorenza Simpson, Mark and Lisa Fiorenza, Jay Fiorenza, and Steve and Carol Anne Jagneaux; her beloved grandchildren, Brieann and Randy Edwards, Grace Fiorenza, Mary Alison Fiorenza, Alexandria Sandoval, Sydney Jagneaux, Isabella Fiorenza and Gabriella Fiorenza; by her sister and brother-in-law, May and Ed Culotta, and their children. 

She was hired in 1979 as the first full time Executive Director of the Lamar University Alumni Association. This was one of the best times of her life, she loved her job. Her work ethic and communication skills were impeccable, and she made it her goal to reach out to all alumni, and encouraged them to support their alma mater. She says “thank you” to all the Lamar staff, the many dedicated alumni, volunteers, and board of directors who helped grow the Alumni Association to what it is today. Even though she suffered with Alzheimer’s, her memories would constantly take her back to those special days at Lamar. Through the support of the Houston Epilepsy Foundation, she and her daughter, Cassie, were instrumental in organizing the Southeast Texas Epilepsy Support Group that later came to be known as the Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Texas.

Mom was our Carol Burnett, Mother Theresa, and Julie Andrews. She comforted/rocked, nursed, and sang to us from the time we were born, and sang those same lullabies to her grandchildren. She performed, entertained, played her piano, composed duets and trios. She read her books, and stayed updated on current events. She loved to be informed and was ready and able to debate any issue if you so dared. She was bright, colorful, independent, funny, sassy, feisty, and accepting of everyone. Her laughter was contagious. Her forgiving heart and love for others was endless.

She loved her family, especially her grandchildren, they were her world!! She was their care giver, playmate and most importantly their WoWo. She would say “NaNa NuNu, MawMaw’s little DoDo” as they tickled and giggled over the years. She allowed them all they wanted in excess, baby bottles or sippy cups even if they were older in age, treats of any kind, McDonald’s, playing dress up, and driving lessons well before the legal age to do so. Nothing was off limits. She did not provide material things, she showered them with love.

Thank you to all her friends who made her life happy and made her laugh. Thank you to the Fiorenza, Galiano, Culotta, Giglio, Gonzalez, and Serio families for letting her be a part of your lives, and to Heart to Heart Hospice for taking such great care of our mother. A special thank you goes to Ronald and Virginia Morrow of Gilbert Assisted Living, and their staff. The love and compassion extended to our mother as a resident of your home is like no other that we have ever experienced. You made your home Wanda’s home, and welcomed all of us in like family.

Momma/Wanda/MawMaw/WoWo, you will remain in our hearts because your life has changed ours forever. You are irreplaceable and unforgettable. Some of the last words she spoke were “I love you” and “Blessing.” That is the message she sends to all of us. Love one another and stay strong in your belief and faith. Celebrate life and live it to the fullest. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation, Attention: Donor Services, 8301 Professional Place East, Suite 200, Landover, Maryland 20785; the Alzheimer’s Association, 2909 West Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77025; or to Lamar University Distinguished Alumnist Presidential Scholarship Fund, C/O Lamar University Foundation, P.O. Box 11500, Beaumont, Texas 77710, lamar.edu/giving.

A gathering of Ms. Fiorenza’s family and friends will be 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, November 2, 2017, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. Her funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 3, 2017, at Broussard’s, with the Most Reverend Joseph A. Fiorenza Archbishop Emeritus presiding.