Winona S. Smiroldo Obituary (1932 - 2020)

Winona Stella Smiroldo, 87, passed away peacefully February 19, 2020 in Corning, N.Y. Winona Norwood was born November 2, 1932, in Elmira, N.Y. to Edward Lewis and Mary Helen (Scouten) Norwood. Winona was a smart girl who loved the Lord. She was baptized as a Catholic as a 14-year-old, and graduated with a Regents Diploma from Elmira Free Academy in 1950. She later joined the Sisters of Saint Joseph and was known as Sister Marie Helen. She was in the convent for many years and saw and did many things. Sister Marie Helen graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1959 from Nazareth College. She fulfilled another love of her life then, becoming a teacher in Selma, Alabama. She taught at a school of African-American children, and she said the children would call them "the black nuns" because they taught the black kids. She had many pictures of her playing with the children in the schoolyard, and even some of them playing in their first snowstorm. Winona said that she was in Selma when the March happened, and she thought it was amazing when a movie came out about the March since she had seen it happen herself. She moved back to Upstate New York and graduated from St. Joseph's Hospital School of Nursing in Elmira in 1967. She then was a registered nurse for decades, in both New York and Arizona. She finished her career as a critical care nurse at Scottsdale Memorial Hospital in Arizona, but she also did private, long-term nursing, and was well-loved by her patients and their families. After having served approximately 25 years in the convent, Winona left the Sisters of Saint Joseph, and met the love of her life. She married Daniele J. Smiroldo on April 14, 1976. Unfortunately, Winona and Danny's years together were cut way too short, as he passed away June 26, 1979. They have waited to be with each other since, and will rest side by side in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Rochester, N.Y. Their spirits are reunited in heaven. Music was a big part of the Smiroldo's lives. He was a fine musician, playing the accordion and singing. She had a beautiful singing voice and would share her gift with others. One time, while visiting a relative in the Elmira Psychiatric Center, Winona sang The Lord's Prayer for her - full voice - in the visiting room. Winona enjoyed her years in Arizona and enjoyed entertaining visitors. She enjoyed her pool, but she especially enjoyed freshly-squeezed fruit juice from the trees in her yard. She would also take visitors to see the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff and Mesa, including a favorite restaurant called Organ Stop Pizza. She is survived by her sister, Helen Dunne; brother-in-law, Carmen Smiroldo, and by her sister-in-law, Linda Smiroldo; many nieces, nephews and dear friends. Winona was predeceased by her parents, Edward Lewis and Mary Helen (Scouten) Norwood; her husband, Daniele J. Smiroldo; brothers, Edward Lewis, Jr. and James Norwood; sisters, Laura Hill, Wanda Blackwell, Margaret Savino, Mary Lou D'Archangelo, Kathleen Goodwin, and Sarah Drinkard; sister-in-law, Agostina Toscano. The family wishes to thank the medical professionals and staff at Corning Center, who took care of Winona and loved her for the last several years. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Alzheimer's Foundation, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620. Winona will be laid to rest at 1:00 PM on Monday, February 24, 2020 at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 2461 Lake Avenue, Rochester, NY with Father Coffas of Rochester, N.Y. officiating. Winona's family entrusted her care to Haughey Funeral Home, Inc.