Angela Marie Petursson

God’s heavenly kingdom is a loving, caring, beautiful realm. Today, it is so much more loving, caring, and beautiful, and Earth is so much less. Angela Marie Belotti Petursson entered eternal life on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

Fitting for her holy personality, she was born on the Roman Catholic Holy Day of All Saints, November 1, 1936, in Little Italy (Roland), Arkansas, to Louis and Irma Belotti, who preceded her in death. She attended grade school at St. Andrew Catholic School in downtown Little Rock, and then graduated high school from Mount Saint Mary Academy, where she was crowned homecoming queen in her senior year. She then graduated from nurse’s training at St. Vincent Infirmary nursing school, before beginning her career in nursing at the same institution. Her nursing skills and especially her compassionate heart for her patients eventually led to her promotion as Head Nurse on 5 East at St. Vincent. While at St. Vincent, she met the love of her life, Gissur J. “Pete” Petursson, MD, a young intern from Iceland. They married in 1965, eventually becoming parents to their son, Patrick Petursson, and their daughter, Lisa Petursson, MD, all of whom survive her and grieve her loss. She is also survived by her sister, Anita Wagner, brother-in-law, Joseph Wagner, and their children, Jacqueline Kaufman (and daughter Christina), Danny Wagner, and Kristy Eanes (Greg). Their son, Billy Wagner, also preceded Angela in death.

The ultimate caregiver, her heart loved with a tenderness so rare, and her love knew no boundaries. Her love and care went out to all, regardless of political, religious, economic, racial, or cultural differences. She simply loved – and those she loved, loved her for it. Her heart went out especially to children, to those in pain, to the poor, the underprivileged, and the handicapped. The loving attention she gave to everyone made them feel like the only one. No one knew this more than her family. She never thought of herself; only others, and was known for her generosity, not just monetarily and materially, but especially with her time, attention, and sympathy. Frequently, she sent notes to those in need, to let them know they were in her thoughts and prayers.

Deeply religious and a devout Catholic, she was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Little Italy for much of her life. She maintained a strong devotion for the Blessed Mother Mary, to whom she prayed throughout each day. She held a special place in her heart for Our Lady atop the Dome at the University of Notre Dame, from which both her children graduated. She also took pride in her Italian heritage. Growing up poor in Little Italy and Little Rock, she knew the struggles her Italian parents and relatives endured, and celebrated any success that might come their way. Such experiences fostered a strong sense of family togetherness, which she then encouraged and promoted in her own family. In so many ways, she was the sun around which her family orbited: the heartbeat that pumped life and happiness throughout the Petursson home. So much more by her loving, selfless example than by her words, she inspired her children and passed to them her legacy of love and caring.

Her creative talents were numerous. She enjoyed sewing, decorating, and hosting parties for family and friends. She sewed her own wedding dress and created the decorations for her wedding. Her interests included movies from the Golden Age of film, especially classic musicals. She also enjoyed her reruns of “Murder She Wrote,” “Father Dowling Mysteries,” and “Adam-12.” She loved singing, dancing, and music, especially the songs of Johnny Mathis, John Gary, Nat King Cole, Andy Williams, and Mario Lanza. She also enjoyed the numerous classical pieces played by her daughter during Lisa’s years of competing in regional piano competitions. Additionally, she took pleasure in listening to the multitude of songs played on the piano by Pete, as well as the selections played on the guitar by Patrick.

Angela’s Rosary, visitation, and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 33223 Highway 300, Roland (Little Italy) AR 72135. Due to uncertainty in weather and road conditions, dates and times are yet to be determined. Please check the Smith Family Funeral Home website for updates. Those wishing to honor Angela’s memory may send donations as follows: By mail, checks may be sent to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4000 North Rodney Parham Rd, Little Rock, AR 72212. Please indicate in the memo line that this is a memorial in her honor. Electronically, donations may be made by accessing the church website: www.stfrancislittleitaly.org and clicking on the “Give” tab at the top of the page.

Smith Little Rock Funeral Home

8801 Knoedl Ct, Little Rock, AR 72205 / 501-224-2200

www.SmithFamilyCares.com