Viola Morelli Smith

April 8, 1923 - February 21, 2021

Viola T. Smith, age 97, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021 at Madison Pointe Rehab & Nursing Home Port Richey, FL. Preceded in death by her first husband, Frank Morelli and second husband, Earl Smith. Survived by Stepson. Frank JR.; sons, Dennis & Dean Morelli; daughter, Linda Olive; daughter-in-law's, Maureen, Monika and Cindy; son-in-law, Steve; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “Tootsie" affectionally called by her friends was born & raised in Forest Park, Illinois 1923. Viola worked in her younger years at the American Can Co. in Chicago, Illinois. Married husband Frank in 1947. The harsh Chicago winters drove the family of six to sunny Florida in Sept. of 1959, setting up a new home for the family. To supplement the family income Viola began working as a waitress at the Clearwater SeaSpire Restaurant Island Estates. Frank was working at the nearby Sheraton Hotel Clearwater Beach retiring in 1975. Frank passed away Dec. 1988. A few years later she met Earl Smith, a widower, at a Church bereavement meeting. Marrying a year later, Earl & Vi began to travel, take cruises, and see the Country. They sold their prospective homes and bought one together. Earl passed away in 2006, Vi sold the home & moved to a local retirement home where she enjoyed playing cards and meeting new friends. Becoming ill herself, unable to completely take care of herself, her family found her a new home in a local Nursing Home. Attending “Happy Hour” Friday afternoons; she enjoyed the entertainment, singing “ Sweet Caroline", the snacks with frequent visits by family, and looking forward to the yearly visit by son, Dennis, who lives in Germany. Viola took pride in her appearance, getting her hair done weekly. "Mom" will be surely missed by the family. Interment will be March 20, 2021 at Curlew Hills Cemetery, Palm Harbor, Florida. In lieu of Flowers please make donations to Gulfside Hospice of New Port Richey. The staff at Madison Pointe and Gulfside Hospice, we are so grateful for their care & concern for our “mom" Viola T. Smith.