Cora Lee Ettorre

Cora Lee Ettorre, 68, of Smyrna, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Carteret Health Care.

Born on July 13, 1957, in Long Island, New York, Cora was the youngest of six children born to the late Anthony and Cora Ettorre. Growing up in a large family shaped her deeply, and those family bonds remained important to her throughout her life.

Cora had a true gift in the kitchen. Known for her amazing cooking skills, she took great pride in her work as a chef on Fire Island, New York, where she loved feeding people and bringing them together through delicious meals.

Thirteen years ago, Cora followed her heart south and made Smyrna, North Carolina her home. She embraced coastal living and found joy in the simple things, especially giving back through her volunteer work at the Methodist Church in Atlantic.

Cora had a soft heart for animals, especially cats. She never passed a stray without stopping to make sure it was fed, and her compassion for her feline friends was just one of the many ways her kindness showed.

Above all else, Cora loved her family. She cherished her relationships and held her loved ones close, always reminding them how much they meant to her.

Those remaining to cherish her memory are her daughter, Ashleigh Antonio (Rafael) of Harlingen, TX; son, Keith Ettorre (Christine) of Shirley, Long Island, NY; sisters, Sandra Sembler (Edward) of Smyrna, NC and Karen Ettorre (Tom) of Patchogue, Long Island, NY; brothers, Paul Ettorre (Sandra) of Patchogue, Long Island, NY and John Ettorre of West Sayville, Long Island, NY; and granddaughter, Bella.

In addition to her parents, Cora was preceded in death by her sister, Susan Monaco.

Memorial contributions may be made to assist the family with funeral expenses by clicking here.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. in Morehead City, NC.