Andrew Mercury

Andrew Mercury, 96, passed away Saturday, April 24th, at the Southridge Nursing Home under their care and Care Initiatives Hospice. Andy was born in a small mountain village in Greece. He came to the United States at age 14 and helped run a grocery store with his father and a brother in Minneapolis. In 1940, he married Helen, and they moved to Marshalltown in 1944 where he became a partner at Lillie Mae Candies. He later became sole owner in 1972 and retired in 1986. Andy loved visiting with people and loved making candy. He also enjoyed at family parties getting his friends together and teaching them to folk dance to Greek music. He is still remembered by many customers who knew him for his warm smile and cheerful greeting. Andy and Helen were members of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Des Moines. Andy was preceded in death by his parents, a sister and two brothers. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 70 years, Helen and his three daughters- Mary Mercury, Georgia (Buck) Dates and Sophia Mercury all of Marshalltown. Visitation will be held from 5-8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. A private family funeral will be held. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Memorials may be directed to Care Initiatives Hospice at 7055 Vista Drive in West Des Moines.