Antoinette Leto Smith
I will truly miss Nellie. Though I didn't see her regularly, I always knew she was there. Our families grew up next door to each other in Ybor City, and we were first cousins. Of the eight grandchildren born to that side of the family, Nellie was the fourth born. Because of that, Nellie and her sisters were more like sisters to me and my siblings. Fortunately, we all remained close even after we became adults. Nellie was a sweet person who loved everyone, especially her son, Allen. He was always her world, until he had two sons of his own … then Allen had to share his mom's love with them (just kidding Allen … she loved you all to the moon and back) I'll miss her smile and distinct laugh. I can hear her saying to me, "I love you, Antie" several times in each conversation we had, and my response to her was, "And I love you, Nell". That was usually followed by a big hug. This was something we did from childhood, and I truly will miss that. Rest in peace, Nell, and tell all of our family members, and especially my husband, I send hugs and kisses to them.
