Marilyn Jean Mercado

Marilyn Jean Mercado (Doidge) is originally from Washington, PA. She was born December 13, 1948, to Herbert James and Agnes Jean Doidge (both deceased). She is survived by her husband Pablo Luís Mercado, daughter Alicia Margarita Mercado and son Javier Agustín Mercado (Stephanie), grandchildren Ellie and Nathan Smiley, Hudson and Tenley Mercado and sister Eleanor Doidge of Chicago. She was preceded in death by brothers Kenneth, Donald and Douglas. She has several cousins from both her father's and mother's families who live in Ontario, Canada, with their families.

Marilyn received her BA degree from Point Park College in Pittsburgh, PA, an MA in Library Science from the University of Pittsburgh and an MA in History from the University of Northern Iowa.

Marilyn retired as Dean of Library Services at the University of Northern Iowa in 2011. She joined the staff of UNI in 1989 as a cataloger and was appointed Dean in 2001. Prior to joining UNI, she worked at the University of South Florida in Tampa from 1975 to 1988, and the Inter-American University in San Juan, Puerto Rico from 1974 to 1975. This is where she learned to speak Spanish and also met Pablo.

Marilyn and Pablo were married Dec. 13, 1975 and had both of their children in Tampa, Florida. The family moved to Iowa on New Years Eve of 1989. They enjoyed traveling while raising their children. They traveled around the Caribbean and US with family and friends. Some of Marilyn's favorite trips were to Ireland and Canada with her sister Eleanor and to Puerto Rico with kids and grandkids. Many years were also spent at her children and grandchildren's sporting events. Swimming and diving, track, softball, baseball, and football were just some of the many events she cheered at. Along with sporting events she always supported Javier's love of horses and her grandchildren's music and theater talents.

Although being a mother and grandmother topped her list, she always wanted to be a librarian, which she accomplished.  She didn't just enjoy books at work, she loved reading them and could always be found with a book in her hand. After retiring she had around 700 books in their home. Before donating many of them to libraries and other groups she loaned them out to friends all the time. Murder mysteries and inspirational biographies were her favorite.

Marilyn was very devoted to her family. She worked hard at everything she did and always made life easier for those around her.  She loved her family and friends as much as they loved her.

Marilyn's Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 pm on Thursday, February 15, 2024, with Visitation to follow from 5-6:00 pm at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home of Cedar Falls. Memorials may be directed to the Family of Marilyn Mercado for future designation.