Leonarda D. (Ortisi) LaPorta, of Woburn, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, October 17th. She was 85. Born and raised in Augusta, Sicily, she was the cherished daughter of the late Francesco and Anna (Scalzo) Ortisi.
Leonarda’s biggest passion was her family. She especially loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Leonarda’s family were her pride and joy, they were her world. She was a devoted wife, a dedicated mother, loving Nona, great Nona and friend. She will be greatly missed.
When Leonarda was not spending time with her family, she was in the kitchen cooking. Her dishes were made from scratch and were known to be delicious, especially her lasagna, arancini and pizza. She enjoyed watching the news on channel five every morning, watching all the reruns of General Hospital and watching latest contestants on the Bachelor and Bachelorette.
Leonarda was the beloved wife of the late Rosario LaPorta. She was the devoted mother of Antonino LaPorta and his wife Debbie, Fabrizio LaPorta and his wife Julia, Michael LaPorta and his wife Sharon, and the late Franco, Roberto and Giselle. She was the loving Nona of many grandchildren and great grandchildren, and the dear sister of Conchettina Balotta.
Visiting hours will be held on Monday, October 23rd, from 4 through 8 PM in the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Funeral from the Dello Russo Funeral Home Tuesday, October 24th, at 9 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated in Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant St., Malden, at 10 AM. Services will conclude with burial at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent in Leonarda’s name to American Cancer Society, 3 Speen St., Suite 250, Framingham, MA 01701