Inese Brokans Ardolino, 76, formerly of Allentown, died Aug. 15, 2020, from complications of COVID-19. She was the wife of the late Ralph Ardolino for 43 years before his death in 2007. She was the daughter of the late Aria and Alex Brokans. Born in Sigulda, Latvia, Inese fled the country with her family during World War II. They lived in refugee camps in Europe before emigrating to the United States in 1951. The family settled in Harrisburg, where she grew up and ultimately attended William Penn High School, graduating second in her class. She was named Miss Harrisburg in 1962.

She was the first in her family to attend college and became an active alumna of Muhlenberg College in Allentown. It was there she met her husband.

The couple remained in Allentown after college to raise their family and loved being involved in the community.

She proudly served as president of the Society of the Arts at the Allentown Art Museum. After their children went off to college she and her husband relocated to Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., where they lived for 25 years.

She was an avid bridge player and loved golfing and skiing with her family.

She is survived by a son, Peter (Barbara), of Seattle, Wash. and a daughter, Kari Rudgers (Kyle), of Towson, Md.; grandchildren, Josette and Sasha Rudgers, Benjamin and Ethan; a sister, Anita Brokans. She was predeceased by a granddaughter, Cathleen Rudgers.

Contributions may be made to Children’s National Medical Center, 1 Inventa Place, 6th Floor, Silver Spring, Md. 20910, or childrensnational.org/donate (indicate that donations are in memory of Inese Ardolino).

Her family will hold a private ceremony celebrating her life at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in West Long Branch, N.J. To send a letter of condolence, visit www.damianofuneral-home.com