Mercedes T. McGann

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.

Her children stand and bless her.”

-from Proverbs 31

Mercedes T. McGann, age 98 of Lawrenceville, NJ, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2025.

Mercedes was born in Bronx, NY on February 16, 1927, and was the daughter of the late Matilda and Theodore Soldati.  She was predeceased by the love of her life, Gregory McGann, after 44 years of marriage, and her sisters Helen Mangano and Lorraine Dore.  She is survived by her seven sons and spouses, Stephen and Helene of Glen Allen, VA, Kevin and Mary Jane of Randolph, NJ, Thomas and Luanne of Washingtonville, NY, Gregory and JoAnn of Lynchburg, VA, Andrew and Patricia of Mechanicsville, VA, Joseph and Kari of Stockton, NJ and Christopher and Christine of Lawrenceville, NJ: twenty-four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.  Mercedes is also survived by her sister Dolores Torre, her brother-in-law Patrick Dore, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mercedes grew up with three sisters in the Bronx. She studied dance, especially ballet and had aspirations of being a Rockette, much to her Italian father’s chagrin. She loved New York City. Her first job was with the Electrolux Company in Manhattan. Mercedes and Greg met, married, and ascribed to the principle of “be fruitful and multiply”. When their two-bedroom, one bath apartment became a little crowded with five sons, the family moved to NJ finding a home in Succasunna, and Judy Road was never the same.

Mercedes welcomed all to her special home on Judy Road in Succasunna, NJ. New Sunrise Park was filled with so many dear friends and their families, and Judy Road was family to Mercedes, especially the neighbor girls who became her adopted daughters.  Over the years Mercedes loved taking trips to Ocean Beach at the Jersey Shore. She loved the outdoors, walking every chance she had, and had an insatiable love of reading. Her love of history was topped off by her trip to Normandy Beach in France while vacationing with family. Her love of family brought her great joy.  All who knew Mercedes will cherish wonderful memories of her including Christmas ravioli, thin gravy, the world’s greatest meatballs!, and her incredible love for others. She will be dearly missed and joyfully remembered.

Mercedes was a member of St. Therese Catholic Church in Succasunna for many years. While living in Succasunna, she enjoyed her work over the years at the Roxbury Medical Group, County College of Morris, and Picatinny Arsenal where Generals stood at attention when she walked by.

Visitation will be held at Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ, 07876 on Monday, September 29, 2025, from 4  – 8 pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Therese Roman Catholic Church, 151 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ 07876 on Tuesday, September 30th at 10:00 am.  Interment to follow at Succasunna Presbyterian Cemetery, 99 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ 07876.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Vanguard Landing in honor of Mercedes’ grandson, Konor McGann, at the following link: Vanguard Landing

The family would like to thank the staff at Brandywine Assisted Living in Princeton, NJ for their kindness and care, and of late, the staff at The Lawrence Rehab Hospital and Healthcare Center.

9/22/25 1:00pm