Enilda D. Stortoni

Enilda Socorro Stortoni, known affectionately as Eni, passed away in her home of natural causes on Saturday, April 23, 2022. She was born in Barranquilla, Atlantico Colombia, on December 28, 1945. For more than 20 years, she was happily married to Ugo Stortoni, Deputy Consul, Italy, in New Orleans, and the couple became popular figures in local consular corps and cultural circles. The dinner parties at their home on the west bank were coveted invitations. Quoted in an article in The Times-Picayune, of Feb. 19, 2012, Enilda said, “I learned to host large dinner parties at a moment’s notice. And I learned a lot about the art of food.” Mr. Stortoni died in 1999. The multilingual Eni, who spoke Spanish, Italian and English, was the president of the Tulane (University) Medical Center Auxiliary and a longtime volunteer at Tulane Medical Center. One of the highlights of her volunteer work was the Brioni fashion show that she helped organize at the New Orleans Museum of Art. As a widow, she moved into the landmark Pontchartrain Hotel, where she forged a friendship with the then executive chef, David DeFelice. When she wanted to host a special dinner, she asked to have it in the hotel’s Founder’s Room, a mahogany-paneled private dining space. “David is gracious enough to allow me into his kingdom,” said Eni in the newspaper article. He is willing to allow me to plan the menu and to consult with him on preparation.” When she moved from the St. Charles Avenue to smaller quarters, she still entertained in style with beautiful china and stemware and excellent cuisine. She gathered eclectic friends for lively conversation. Much of her quiet time in later years was devoted to prayer, reading and watching telenovelas. She respectfully asked friends not to call her during her television time. Friends recall her as being a devoted and loving wife, deeply religious, kind, and always available to help others. She is survived by her stepson Fabrizio Stortoni of Gurnee, Illinois, and his family: wife Sherie Palmer, and daughter Natalie Bohlander (Mary Bohlander). She is also survived by her stepdaughters Valerie Stortoni and Patricia Spencer, her extended family in Colombia, and many devoted friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Mass at Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home, 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119 on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at 12:15 P.M. Visitation will begin at 11:15 A.M. Interment will be in Garden of Memories Cemetery. 

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