Delores Lorraine Smart

Delores was married to her loving husband, John M. Smart, and moved to Spring Hill Florida in 1983.

She is survived by her sons Francis Capozza and his wife Lauri, Michael Capozza and his wife Karen and daughter Kimberly Backman and her husband Derek; Grandsons: Robert and Michael Capozza, Warren Backman; Granddaughters: Maria and Danielle Capozza; Great Grandchildren: Evan, Wesley, Grace, Michael and Bradley; and her Brother: Joseph J. Bean

Delores was an incredible mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She taught us — through her words and her actions — the beauty of life, the grounding power of faith, and the unbreakable importance of family. She didn’t just speak about these values; she lived them every single day. Her quiet generosity to others was anonymous to many.

At the center of her world were the simple sacred moments that brought everyone together — Sunday dinners filled with laughter and stories, spontaneous shopping trips that always ended in joy, and adventures that reminded us to explore the world with wonder and gratitude. She traveled not just to see new places, but to experience life fully.

Delores believed in all of us, sometimes before we even believed in ourselves. She encouraged us to pursue every opportunity, to stand tall with confidence, and to believe we were strong enough to succeed. Her voice echoes in our minds even now — reminding us to keep going, to be bold, and to never settle for less than we deserve.

She was a woman of boundless creativity establishing Smart Interiors in 1988. Serving the Nature Coast and beyond offering fine furniture and interior design to thousands of families. As a woman entrepreneur she created a family atmosphere in the workplace. Delores was recognized for her creativity and unique business model growing her company to three locations.

Delores could turn any gathering into a cherished memory. Birthdays, holidays, or “just because” parties were never ordinary when she was involved. They were thoughtful, joyful, and uniquely hers, full of personal touches and unmistakable love.

As a grandmother and great-grandmother, she didn’t just adore her family — she shaped us. She passed down traditions that will last generations, traditions that remind us of where we came from and who we are. She was loving, always there with a comforting hug or a wise word. She was encouraging, the loudest cheerleader in our lives. And she was intuitive, often knowing what we needed before we even said a word.

Delores wasn’t just part of our family, she was the heart of it. The matriarch. The steady, loving force that guided us through life’s storms and celebrated with us in its sunshine.

We will miss her deeply, but we will carry her with us. In the Sunday meals we continue, in the traditions we pass on, in the strength we find in ourselves mom lives on.

In Lieu of flowers please donate to St Vincent de Paul in Spring Hill. svdphernando.org/foodpantry.php