Yarmouth Port – Ann della Chiesa Smith, passed away after a brief bout with pneumonia on Friday, August 26, 2016, at Cape Cod Hospital with her daughter and son-in-law by her side. She was a long time columnist with the Cape Cod Times and retired in 2014 from writing, which her daughter took over for her to carry on the family tradition. Ann was born on November 14, 1931 in Montpelier, Vermont, the daughter of Joseph della Chiesa and Antonietta Calderara, both immigrants from Italy, and sister to Elsie. She graduated from St. Michael’s High School in Montpelier in 1948 and then went on to the University of Vermont where she studied journalism and received her bachelor’s degree. She wrote for numerous publications including National Life Magazine, the Burlington Free Press and Rhode Island College magazine. She joined her husband, Bill Smith in Norton, MA before moving to Cape Cod to work at the Cape Cod Times, eventually together – Bill as an opinion page editor and Ann as a columnist. Ann loved to cook, especially Italian food (a tribute to her heritage). She also loved classical music and was a great supporter of the Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra. She donated her time to the Channel 2 Auction over the course of many years and she and Bill also delivered Meals on Wheels for those in the community. She loved to attend church where she was a member of the Women’s Guild and wrote the newsletter for them. While her daughter Patience played in the DY Orchestra, she was a member of Friends of String Students which helped raised money for the group to travel to England. She is survived by her daughter, Patience Smith-Cabrera. Also, Patience’s husband, Vladimir Cabrera and their 10 year old son, Isaiah of Yarmouth Port; two nephews, Joseph Werfelman of Sciota, PA, and William Werfelman of Wilder, VT, as well as many cousins throughout Northern Italy. Visitation will be held from 10-11 am on Tuesday, August, 30 in the Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave, South Yarmouth, followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Pius X Church, Station Avenue, South Yarmouth. Burial will be private. Memorial donations may be made to Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, 68 Route 134, South Dennis, MA 02660.

My deepest condolences to the Smith family. May you find comfort in the beautiful words found at Revelation 21:3 & 4, where God promises us that He will soon eliminate all pain, suffering and death. While we wait for this promise to be fulfilled, may the fond memories of Ann Della comfort you and ease your pain.