Leonora Guinazzo

Leonora Guinazzo died peacefully at her home May 26, 2022, in the presence of loved ones. For the last two years she had struggled with shortness of breath and progressive weakness. Prior to this, she enjoyed excellent health. She credited her long life to eating “fresh local food, and all in moderation.” Until her last breath, she remained fiercely independent and outspoken. One always knew exactly where one stood with Leonora!

Leonora’s passion was education and learning. She attended Grout Elementary, Washington High School, and Marylhurst College Class of 1950 and was a member of Kappa Gamma Pi honor society for 71 years. Leonora began her career as an educator in 1951 at Central High School in Independence, Ore. teaching Latin, English, Spanish and French. Later she taught at Gresham High School and in 1959 transferred to Wilson High School. Leonora was known for her high expectations and making students earn their grades. Once a prominent Portland family had a son taking her Spanish class and Leonora was advised by the principal not to flunk this boy, despite his poor grades. Leonora promptly flunked him and said, “I don’t care if his parents are the Holy Family, if he doesn’t work, he doesn’t get the grade!” Despite and maybe because of her high standards, friendships with students from Wilson High School continued until her passing.

In 1961 Leonora was awarded a Fulbright scholarship for a year of study in Columbia. She was then selected by the Oregon Board of Education to review curriculums and set up foreign language programs. In 1965, Leonora was asked by Superintendent Mr. Rex Putnam to move to a new campus in a new school called Portland Community College, Sylvania (PCC). Leonora remained there, teaching Latin American Studies and Spanish until her retirement in 1990. Rich and rewarding lifelong friendships remain from those years at PCC. In addition to these roles, Leonora edited textbooks, cared for her aging parents, and kept books for the family business, Sunset Garbage Collection, Inc.

In retirement, Leonora traveled the world! This included trips to see beloved cousins in Italy, both in Tuscany and Liguria. She traveled to Spain, Vietnam, Turkey, India, Africa, Egypt and at age 70 she climbed overboard on a rope ladder to awaiting dinghies in the Antarctic Ocean exploring glaciers and sea life. Leonora enjoyed volunteering with underprivileged children and worked with Outside In, Greenhouse, and P:EAR in Portland. She helped 35 children obtain their GED and tutored little kids in reading via the SMART program. Her hobbies included woodcarving, gardening, baking amazing biscotti, making great Italian food like gnocchi, and caring for her aging friends and relatives. When she got off her John Deere Tractor at age 90 she said, “I don’t see any other old ladies riding around on tractors these days, so I guess I’ll hang it up!”

Leonora’s faith was a mainstay in her life. She attended St. Peter Church in S.E. Portland, volunteered in the office for several years, and read her daily prayers in several books. Leonora, (1928) and her sister Flora (1929) were born to Guiseppe “Big John” Guinazzo and Annunciata “Anna” Macchini in Portland, Ore. Their parents emigrated to the U.S. from Italy, Liguria and Tuscany respectively. Leonora was very proud her father founded Sunset Garbage in 1921 and the company remains successful today in the hands of her niece and nephew.

Leonora was predeceased by her sister, Flora; and is survived by her nephew, Steven Schwab; niece, Carla Scheafer; and many beloved cousins and friends. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Leonora Guinazzo Scholarship Fund, University of Portland, 5000 N. Willamette Blvd. Portland, OR 97203, or to P:EAR, offering assistance and education to Portland homeless youth. P:EAR, 338 N.W. 6TH Ave., Portland, OR, 97209 or email: info@pearmentor.org

All are invited to a service Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at St. Peter Catholic Church, 5905 S.E. 87th Ave., Portland, OR 9726610:45 a.m. slideshow and music 11 a.m. rosary 11:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial followed by refreshments and lunch at the parish. Internment will be at 2:30 p.m., at Gethsemani Catholic Cemetery, Happy Valley, OR. Livestream and recording: stpeterpdx.org Please sign the online guest book at www.oregonlive.com/obits