Iolanda Smith, born Iolanda Bortolini on March 28th 1934 in the historical city of Pola, Italy, departed this life on May 4, 2024, in Portland, Oregon. She reached the age of ninety, having lived a life marked by dedication and love.
A paragon of selflessness, Iolanda was the cornerstone of her family, and her life was a testament to a love that knew no bounds. As a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother, she embodied the virtues of devotion and care that knit the fabric of her family together.
After a tumultuous upbringing in a war-torn country she met her first husband, Carlo. Their emigration from Italy to the United States marked a new chapter in her life, symbolizing hope and the promise of a fresh beginning. With her family, she found her home first on the east coast and later in the welcoming embrace of the west.
Following the tragic passing of Carlo, Iolanda shouldered the mantle of provider with grace and strength. She became the beloved kitchen manager of an Italian eatery, where her culinary talents were savored by many. In Walter Smith, she found a second chance at love and companionship, and together they nurtured a family that would stand as her greatest legacy.
Iolanda's personal joys were simple yet profound. She found delight in the melodious arias of opera and the charming absurdity of her favorite horror movies. She was an accomplished cook, whose traditional Italian dishes were the heart of many family gatherings, and her fondness for a glass of boxed wine was well-known among her loving circle.
Iolanda is survived by her husband, Walter Smith; her son, Roberto Bessich; her granddaughter, Julianna "Julie" Dutton, and her husband Brandon; her great-grandchildren, Brooklynn and William; and her brothers, Sergio & Lino Bortolini. She was preceded in her journey to eternity by her daughter, Nora; her first husband, Carlo; and her parents.
As we remember Iolanda, let it be with a sense of reverence for the extraordinary depth of her love and the indelible imprint it leaves on the hearts of those who knew her. Her memory will continue to be honored and cherished as a beacon of the enduring strength and warmth that defined her.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.11.0