Ione Tassi True

Ione Tassi True, 86, a resident of Mesa,Arizona and former resident of Pocatello, Idaho, for many years, passed away on August 22, 2010.

She was born in Arcidosso, Italy, on August 25, 1923 the daughter of Giselda Giabbani and Giordano Bruno Tassi. Because of the influence of her beloved grandmother, Nonna Lucia, and dear Aunt Ada, her goal was to become a school teacher. In that process, she excelled in school, graduating from the Magistrali school in Grosseto, Italy. During World War II, she taught elementary school for several years. Eventually, she met an American soldier, Charles Dana True and they were married on April 7, 1945.

Through the generosity of the American Red Cross, she was one of many War Brides who were able to come to the United States in 1946. She and her husband lived in Pocatello, Idaho, where they raised three children. Charles and Ione were married for 46 years until his death in 1991.

Her desire to teach children led her to further her education, eventually obtaining a masters in Education degree from Idaho State University. She taught 4th grade elementary school in Pocatello for 27 years. At the same time, she encouraged her own children and grandchildren to do their best in school and to further their education.

After moving to Arizona, Ione's passion for teaching continued. She became a mentor for many who attended the Club Italiano in the East Valley of metro-Phoenix. Her abilities as a teacher were praised as she helped adults to learn the Italian language. For two years she created the bimonthly newsletters which enhanced grammar and reading skills.

In 1982, Ione wrote a book "Reflections and Recollections" for her children and grandchildren so that they would know of their Italian heritage and of the people, places, and customs of Italy during her life there. In 2005, at the age of 82, Ione translated this book into Italian for her cousins in Italy, a book that brought much joy to each of them.

Her love of writing continued through the years of her retirement. Though never published, Ione wrote a number of children's stories and several plays in both Italian and English, some dedicated to her grandchildren. Using her artistic skills, she also illustrated one of these special books.

Ione's love for her family was an extremely important part of her life. She will be remembered with much affection by all those who survive her. Ione's loving care and dedication as a mother and grandmother, and her encouragement for all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to always do their best and to love and help one another will always be remembered.

Ione is survived by her children- Carla G. Rowe, Frank B. True and Dr. Robert L. True (and daughter-in-law, Pam) her grandchildren- Michele, Ken, Teresa, Tory, Kimberly, Robert and Jeffery, and her great-grandchildren-Devon, Jordan, Brogan, Charles, and Alexander.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held Friday, Aug. 27, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at The Holy Spirit St. Anthony Chapel (7th & East Wyeth) with Father John Wroster, Celebrant. Vigil Service and Rosary will he held Thursday, Aug. 26, at 6:00 p.m. at Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel, 510 N. 12th Ave. The family will receive friends following Vigil Service until 8:00 p.m.. Interment will be in the Mountainview Cemetery. Funeral services are under the care of Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel.