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NORWALK, Conn. Mercedes Rosemin Talarico, a special education teacher at Ponus Ridge Middle School, died unexpectedly Aug. 19. She was 68.
"For the past eight or so years, she has worked tirelessly to provide quality instruction to students with significant challenges and academic deficits," said Ponus principal Linda Sumpter. "Mercedes had a smile that could light up a room, loved a challenge and never spoke a cross word about anyone."
Talarico devoted her career to the betterment of special education students. She started teaching in the New York City schools. Before going to Norwalk, she worked as a special education supervisor for the New Rochelle, N.Y., public schools for more than a decade.
"She worked well with teachers, creating the understanding necessary for students to be successful in mainstream classes," said Sumpter.
She grew up in the Bronx, N.Y., and later moved to Scarsdale, N.Y., where she and her husband John raised their only son, Nicholas. She completed her undergraduate degree at St. Johns University in New York and went on to obtain three master's degrees.
Her funeral was held Wednesday at Norwalk's Hoyt-Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory. She leaves behind her son Nicholas from Boston; her sister Rita (Lawrence) Reilly of Hamilton, N.J.; and her nephews Ralph (Anastasia) Reilly of Newington and Lawrence Reilly Jr. of New Jersey. "She was a wonderful person, a good friend and committed to doing her best for all children," said Sumpter.
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