Dora was born in Balacbac, Philippines to Kenja Carino and Joaquin Smith. She was one of thirteen children. From a very young age, Dora worked on their farm to help support her family after her father died at an early age. She and her family survived the atrocities of World War II and lived within very limited means. She earned her degree in pharmacy from the University of the Philippines. A position as a research assistant
brought her to the United States, where she continued her studies in agricultural sciences at Cornell University. It is there that she met Richard and eventually settled in the quaint and welcoming community of Sherrill, NY where they made lifelong friends. Together, she and Richard shared their love of gardening, as evidenced by their award- winning yard and flower gardens, and bountiful vegetable garden of which friends and neighbors were grateful benefactors. She was employed for over twenty years at Oneida City Hospital until her retirement. Her desire to be closer to her grandchildren prompted their move to OH. Her four granddaughters were her "sunshines", and she cherished being their Lola. Whether she was cooking Filipino cuisine, holding babies, sewing, planting flowers, or caring for her beloved dog Scout, her hands were rarely at rest. She had a strong desire to serve both her family and community. She sang in the Sherrill United Methodist Church choir, volunteered at the Lebanon Food Pantry, sewed stuffed animals for Christ's Church of Mason Bear Ministry, and constructed quilts for the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

In recent years, she battled the cruelties of dementia. May we all remember that which she could not, and follow in her example of resilience, determination, generosity, love of plants and birds, quiet faith and humble service. We will miss her smiling eyes, tireless hands, playfulness, the sound of our names spoken in her familiar accent, pancit bihon, chicken adobo, lumpia, oatmeal cookies and all the many ways she made us feel loved.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years and loyal caregiver, Richard Ackerman, daughter Kenja Carino, and granddaughters Anna, Ella, Maya and Jada. She has many extended family members overseas who she loved and missed dearly. She was especially close to her niece, Babes. She is preceded in death by her parents and all siblings.

A special thank you to the entire staff at Traditions of Lebanon senior living community and Affinity Hospice for their care and guidance in her final years. Please visit www.arborday.org to plant a tree in Dora's memory.