Elizabeth Ann Iadavaia

In Loving Memory of Elizabeth Ann Iadavaia

June 28, 1960 – October 29, 2026

Elizabeth Ann Iadavaia, of Bronxville, New York, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2026, surrounded by loving family and friends. She was 66 years young.

Born on June 28, 1960, to Vincent and Rosaria Iadavaia, Elizabeth was the youngest of their three daughters. She proudly graduated from the School of the Holy Child in Rye, New York, where she became an integral part of the community she would continue to support throughout her life, serving as a member and past president of the Alumnae Board. She went on to attend Georgetown University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Economics and forming lifelong friendships that she treasured deeply.

Elizabeth began her professional career in real estate finance, spending 15 years with Merrill Lynch Realty and Equitable Life. Wanting a more impactful and rewarding career, she returned to school, earning a master’s degree in Teaching from Pace University and a second master’s degree in Educational Administration from the College of New Rochelle. For the next 26 years, Elizabeth devoted herself to the New York City Department of Education, serving as both a teacher and a School District Improvement Administrator in the Bronx. She worked tirelessly to ensure that every child in urban schools had access to “the same extraordinary teachers, rich experiences, and limitless opportunities as children anywhere,” transforming educational goals into meaningful realities for the young people she served. Her passion for children and her belief in the transformative power of education were unparalleled. Her dedication to public education remained one of her greatest sources of pride, and she retired just this past September.

Elizabeth lived with an extraordinary zest for life. Her vivacious personality, boundless curiosity, and adventurous spirit took her around the world, from Australia, Hong Kong, and Indonesia, to France, England, Italy, and most recently hiking along the Camino de Santiago. She embraced every opportunity to experience something new and make memories along the way. Her frequent trips to California to visit family were always filled with countless adventures, and the kind of whirlwind experiences that only she could inspire.

Above all else, Elizabeth treasured the people in her life. Her family and friends were her greatest joy, and she nurtured those relationships with a generosity of spirit and a love that knew no bounds. She is survived by her beloved aunt, Gloria Ingrao; her sisters, Marie Grace Iadavaia and Angela Iadavaia-Cox; her nephew, Paul Cox; her niece, Ariana Accardi; her 5 great nieces and nephew to whom she will forever be "East Coast Nanny;" as well as her adored cousins both young and older, and dear friends whom she considered family.

Elizabeth leaves behind a legacy of resilience, humor, faith, and an unwavering devotion to the people and causes she loved. She was a source of endless joy and light, with a spirit that seemed forever young. She had a rare gift for bringing out the childlike wonder in everyone around her, reminding those who knew her to never stop living life to its fullest. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the memories she leaves behind will remain forever.

A celebration of Elizabeth’s life will be held at Pelham Funeral Home, 64 Lincoln Avenue, Pelham, New York, on Friday, November 20, from 4:00–8:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, 25 Second Avenue, Pelham, New York, on Saturday, November 21, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Holy Mt. Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elizabeth’s memory to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center give.mskcc.org.

For additional information or to leave a condolence, please visit www.pelhamfuneral.com.