Love Grows Here

Nestled within the enchanting grounds of Meadow Brook Hall, a new addition is poised to captivate visitors and offer a serene retreat amidst the historic splendor. Lia Iacocca-Assad and her sister, Kathryn Iacocca-Hentz, have generously gifted a garden to Meadow Brook Hall’s DeCarlo Visitor Center in memory of their beloved mother, Mary K. Iacocca. This thoughtful donation, complemented by a bench dedicated to Mary’s best friend, Isla V. Small, is a testament to enduring friendships and the power of cherished memories.

"Meadow Brook is very near and dear to our hearts," Lia shares. "My mother spent a lot of time there. She loved to be in the garden." Mary K. Iacocca’s frequent visits and volunteer work at Meadow Brook Hall left an indelible mark on her daughters, fostering a deep connection to the historic estate.

The garden will serve as a sanctuary for visitors, offering a tranquil space for reflection and contemplation. "I hope that all the people that come will take some time to sit there and meditate, look at the beauty, and just pray for what’s important in their lives," Lia says. When I was sitting there, it seemed like a great place to meditate, reflect and be grateful for all your blessings."
Growing up, Lia recalls the inseparable bond between her mother and Isla Small. "Both women volunteered at Meadow Brook. It seemed like they were always together. Isla was really a second mom to us. I can’t think of one birthday or graduation where she wasn’t there." The bench dedicated to Small within the garden will symbolize the enduring friendship between the two women, ensuring that their spirits remain intertwined in a place they both cherished.

Lia’s connection to OU and Meadow Brook Hall runs deep. "Not only did I graduate from Oakland University, but my high school graduation from Marian was at OU," she says. After her mother passed away at the end of Lia’s freshman year at Hillsdale College, Lia transferred to Oakland University to stay close to her father, renowned automobile magnate, Lee Iacocca. "I had such a wonderful experience at OU. For me, it was a perfect fit. I loved my classes and my professors and I made some very good friendships there."

Her education at Oakland University played a significant role in shaping her future endeavors. "One of my teachers had us develop a product from conception into marketing and sales — showing how we were going to advertise it," Lia explains. "We had to thoroughly lay everything out, from branding to distribution. I can say I learned that process from being a communications major at OU."

Lia’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to launch Tuscan Kiss wine, a loving ode to her legendary father Lee Iacocca, celebrating a lifetime of cherished moments together at their family villa in Tuscany. "In 2021, I launched Tuscan Kiss wine along with my best friend," she shares. "It’s been a labor of love.” A percentage of Tuscan Kiss's profits are donated to the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, a free-standing outpatient clinic where medical professionals diagnose and treat memory, movement and debilitating disorders - including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis.

Returning to Meadow Brook Hall after many years evoked a flood of memories for Lia. "It was wonderful to come back to Meadow Brook last year,” she says. "It made me feel closer to my mom. We have had many family celebrations at Meadow Brook.”

The DeCarlo Visitor Center will now feature modern amenities and versatile spaces, including a welcome gateway, an open-air plaza and patio, a learning center and a multimedia theatre. The $2.7 million project aims to preserve the historic integrity of the estate while creating functional spaces for tours, events and educational programs.

“Lia and Kate’s generous gift is a vital contribution to this ongoing effort, ensuring that Meadow Brook Hall continues to be a premier destination for families, couples and individuals seeking a connection to history and beauty,” says Meadow Brook Hall executive director William “Bill” Matt.

"My sister and I both feel so blessed and grateful to Michigan and our parents,” Lia affirms. “We want to try to give back.”

As construction progresses, the Mary K. Iacocca Garden will stand as a beacon of love, memory and gratitude. It is a place where visitors can take a moment to reflect and honor the legacy of two remarkable women whose lives were intertwined within Meadow Brook Hall. Lia and Kate’s heartfelt tribute ensures that Mary K. Iacocca and Isla V. Small will be forever remembered in a garden that embodies the spirit of friendship and the enduring power of cherished memories.

We know that Meadow Brook Hall is part of many wonderful memories, and we would love to hear your special stories. Email Molly Moore, director of Donor Relations and Communications, [email protected], to share your story.

Learn more about the historic estate.