Lidia Wallace

FORREST CITY- Lidia M. Wallace of Forrest City departed this life Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023. She was two weeks shy of her 72nd Valentine's birthday.

Lidia was born in the Bronx, N.Y., to a pair of Italian immigrants. She attended Catholic school and college in New York City where she studied to become a translator for the United Nations. Lidia was fluent in Italian, English, Spanish and French.

While visiting family in Italy after college graduation, she met her husband-to-be, Calvin. Calvin was an airman stationed at the Air Force base in Aviano, Italy. His car had broken down on the side of the road and Lidia had stopped to help, a moment that defined what would become a lifetime of the most pure, true and honest love.

Lidia returned to New York City to begin her career as a high school teacher while waiting for Calvin's discharge from the Air Force. The rest is history.

The two married and settled in the backwoods of St. Francis County, Arkansas, where Calvin had grown up. Her life continued to be full of enriching adventures teaching countless students over her 45-year career, primarily at Parkin and Harrisburg high schools. She taught English, Italian, Spanish, gifted and talented, and a brief lesson in mathematics. She was most passionate about teaching foreign languages and was the only Italian teacher in the state of Arkansas.

During their 47 years of marriage, Lidia and Calvin welcomed two daughters, Erica and Jessica. After retiring from teaching, Lidia started the most rewarding role of her life, that of Nonna.

She was Nonna to Lilly, Wallace, Abigail and Levi. Her love for them was apparent in every fiber of her being. She thrived on making things special for them.

She gave her all each and every day of her life, no matter how much life and physical age tried to slow her down. She was an accomplished artist, exquisite cook, avid indoor gardener and world traveler. Her life stories enthralled generations of students and inspired future teachers.

Now her life on earth has ended, but her legacy lives on in the lives of her former students, her children, and her grandchildren. "Vive Bene! Spesso l'amore! Di risata molto!"

Visitation will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Stevens Funeral Home in Forrest City with funeral to follow at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, a scholarship is being set up at Harrisburg High School for senior students wanting to pursue a career in education. Please contact Harrisburg High School at 870-578-2417 for information.

Online registry: www. stevensfuneralhome.net