Cecilia (Smitty) D'Orlando

Age 93, a resident of Albuquerque, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2014 at Haven Care Cottonwood House. She was born March 6, 1921 in Freeport, Illinois, the daughter of Ferdinand and Louise Kraut. After high school, she moved to Spokane, Washington, where she worked for many years as a waitress at the famous Davenport Hotel, Spokane’s finest dining establishment visited by many noted celebrities including Bing Crosby and Bob Hope. In the late 1950’s, she moved to Tacoma, where she met and married the love of her life, Patrick D’Orlando on June 16, 1962. For several years they lived at an Army Base in Germany where she worked as a bank teller. In 1973, they returned to Albuquerque where Cecilia worked at 1st National Bank until her retirement. She was a member of The Shrine of St. Bernadette Catholic Church. She was an avid bowler into her late 80’s, belonging to several bowling leagues and traveling to bowling tournaments throughout the southwestern states. She loved gardening and outside yard work. There was never a weed or leaf in her yard. She grew and canned vegetables of all kinds. Her zucchini bread was the best ever. Survivors include one brother, Rudy Kraut and sister-in-law, Blanche Kraut, both of Pecatonica, IL; step-daughter, Judy (David) Finder of Alvarado, Texas; two granddaughters; numerous great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews, including Julie (Terry) Carius of Houston, Texas; and extended family and friends. Cecilia was preceded in death by her husband; step-daughter, Jenny Moran; one grandson; five sisters; and three brothers. The family would especially like to thank Pricilla Young for her long devoted friendship and Haven Care for providing Cecilia a caring, stimulating and safe environment. Visitation will take place on Sunday, April 27, 2014, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at FRENCH-University with the Rosary recited at 4:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, April 28, 2014, 8:30 a.m., at The Shrine of St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 11401 Indian School Rd. NE. Cecilia will be laid to rest on Monday, April 28, 2014, 2:15 p.m., at Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cecilia’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association, The Shrine of St. Bernadette Catholic Church, or a charity of your choice.

Cecilia (Smitty) D'Orlando

March 6, 1921 - April 20, 2014