Iole Adelina Canepari Obituary (1913 - 2006)

Iole Canepari, 93, died November 28, 2006 from complications of a hip fracture, which was incident to old age. She was born June 14, 1913 in Torino, Italy to Giovanna Porta and Alfredo Giarola. Iole immigrated to the United States in 1928 and settled in Los Angeles. There, she met Alex Canepari and they were married August 27, 1942. She became a U.S. citizen in 1945. Iole had graduated with honors from the Italian equivalent of high school. Being bored with American high school, she quit to work in the business offices of wineries owned by Italo-Americans. She became friends with the co-workers who moved on to the movie industry, so when Iole became proficient in English, the studios quickly hired her on her friends’ recommendations. She started doing general script work, but with expert fluency in English, French, and Italian, she quickly moved to language translation of films, which yielded rewarding careers both in Hollywood and New York City. Iole also had a conversational knowledge of German and Spanish. When the family settled in Salt Lake City, Iole spent most of her time in the role of housewife, occasionally doing language translation from her home. In 1972, she received a commendation from Governor Rampton for volunteer translation work that she did for Utah schools. She also occasionally took term work doing door-to-door consumer surveys. She was a participant in bazaars and cake and cookie sales at church and at schools. Iole is survived by her daughter, Dr. Sandra Joan, and her son, Renzo. She is also survived by her niece, Genie Tarbell, nephew, John Canepari, and many cousins in the U.S. and Italy. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two step-dads, and by infant sister, Armida. Iole’s son would like to express his gratitude to the employees at Highland Care Center. Iole was a “tough customer” until she became comatose, but the staff treated her as gently and with as much dignity as possible. Iole was not perfect—sometimes saying things and doing things that some considered offensive. This was probably the result of some psychologically traumatic events that occurred when she was young. It is hoped that everyone will put these bad experiences aside and remember the good about her. There was plenty. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that donations be made to one of the children’s hospitals or to Iole’s favorite charity, the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Graveside services will be held Saturday, December 2, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at Murray City Cemetery, 5600 So. Vine Street, Murray, Utah. Friends and family may call Saturday from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 So. State Street.