Sylvia Meltinos Smith

Sylvia Meltinos Smith, 87, a beloved mother, grandmother and dedicated educator, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Sylvia was born on March 4, 1937, in Tampa, Florida, to James Meltinos and Frances Koukas Meltinos.

On June 26, 1965, Sylvia married Dennis F. Smith. Sylvia and Dennis raised two children, Krista Maria Smith and David Joseph Smith, in La Porte, Indiana.

Sylvia's commitment to lifelong learning was reflected in her academic achievements. She earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Hanover College and a master's degree in education from Indiana University. Sylvia served as an educator in the La Porte public school system, and her career was marked by dedication and compassion as she shaped the lives of countless students in La Porte.

Sylvia's commitment to La Porte was reflected in her many years of public involvement with civic and charitable organizations, and while supporting her husband, Dennis, when he served three terms as mayor of La Porte starting in the 1970s.

Sylvia is survived by her son, David, and his wife, Jamie Smith, of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Sylvia was also a proud grandmother to Alexander Smith and Abigail Smith, the children of David and Jamie, and Joseph MacLennan and John MacLennan, the children of Krista and her husband, Tom MacLennan. Sylvia is also survived by her siblings, Pat (Tom) Kousathanas of Clearwater Beach, Florida, and Michael (Marcy) Meltinos of Niles, Michigan, and their children and grandchildren. Sylvia is also survived by many cousins who admired Sylvia as the family trailblazer who was the first person to earn a college degree in a large family of first-generation Greek Americans.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis, in 1997 and her daughter, Krista, in 2021; her parents, Jim and Frances; as well as her in-laws, Judge Alban Smith and Dorothy Smith of La Porte; and a brother, Billy, in infancy.

Sylvia will be remembered for her love of music, supporting the La Porte City Band, and education through her contributions as a librarian at Boston Middle School. Sylvia's legacy of kindness, generosity and service will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A private funeral service will be held by the family. A celebration of life will be held in La Porte at a future date for friends and family to gather and honor Sylvia's life as a wife, mother, grandmother, educator and community steward. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in her memory to the La Porte City Band.

Sylvia Meltinos Smith's presence will be deeply missed, but the impact of her love and kindness will live on in the hearts of her family and friends forever.