Elena Varone Timbol, age 90, passed away on New Year's Day - 1/1/2021 - in Smyrna, Georgia. She passed in her sleep, in peace, with family nearby. Elena began life on October 21, 1930 in Naples, Italy.  Elena was one of eight daughters in a family with five brothers that her parents Pasquale and Irene Varone raised in Southern Italy. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lope Timbol, who passed two years ago and her beloved eldest daughter Irene, who passed in May of 2020.

Elena and her family survived the terror of World War II in Italy but often shared fond memories of kind American soldiers who assisted on occasion with food support including cherished chocolate. In post WWII Italy is where she met her future husband Lope Timbol, a Spanish speaking Filipino Sailor in the US Navy stationed in Naples, a port city. Despite language differences, they married in 1954, with Lope adopting Elena's only child at the time, Irene, named after Elena's mother.

Elena's Christian faith was a prominent feature of her life and evolved from a catholic upbringing to a protestant viewpoint. She became a devoted follower of various evangelical ministers and was a self-taught bible student. Charitable despite little means she supported various ministries as she was able.

Elena Varone Timbol is survived by her eldest son Antonio and Shelly Timbol and their children Emily and Stephanie; her youngest son Franco and Jennifer Timbol and their children Ellie, Abigail, and William; her grandson Radwan and Jill Ekkawi and their children David, Joseph, and Helena; her grandson Ransom Ekkawi, and her grandson Samuel Ekkawi.  Of all her siblings, Elena is survived by Carmela Guila Varone and Assunta Varone Cuevas.

Elena Timbol will be interned with her husband – Lope Timbol – on Saturday January 9 ^th at Arlington Park Cemetery at 6921 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, Florida.  Due to Covid, no funeral or services will occur. However, Elena's youngest son Franco and his wife Jennifer would welcome family and friends to come to the internment site between the hours of 12:30 pm and 2 pm if you wish to pay respects. They are located at Tower East, EXT-N, Level 6 #2. A video of the internment as well as other photos and memories will be available. We will adhere to strict social distancing protocols and masks are mandatory.

Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Arlington Park Funeral Home, 6920 Lone Star Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32211.  Please sign the family's online guestbook at www.arlingtonparkfuneralhome.com/obituary/elena-timbol